Elephant Mask (Vi)

Arts of Africa

Late 19th/early 20th century

Guro
Côte d’Ivoire
Coastal West Africa

This mask with elephant features belongs to a masquerade tradition known as Dje that is practiced in the southern Guro region. It is one of several animal characters that are incarnations of dangerous spirits called yo. These masks’ supernatural powers protected the village and its inhabitants against witchcraft, drought, famine, disease, and other threats. Voluminous fiber costumes amplified the Dje dancers’ movements during spectacular, hours-long acrobatic performances that could only be attended by men.

Status: Currently Off View
Department: Arts of Africa

Culture: Guro
Title: Elephant Mask (Vi)
Place: Côte d'Ivoire (Object made in)
Date Dates are not always precisely known, but the Art Institute strives to present this information as consistently and legibly as possible. Dates may be represented as a range that spans decades, centuries, dynasties, or periods and may include qualifiers such as c. (circa) or BCE.: 1875–1925
Medium: Wood, kaolin, and pigment
Dimensions: H.: 50.2 cm (19 3/4 in.)
Credit Line: Gift of Mr. and Mrs. James W. Alsdorf
Reference Number: 1971.883

Bouttiaux, Anne-Marie. 2016. Guro: The Permanence of Change. Visions of Africa. 5 Continents Editions, pl. 29 (ill.).

Chicago, Ill., Illinois Bell Telephone Company, Substitute Faces, Oct. 2–23, 1972, no cat.

Mr. James Alsdorf (died 1990) and Mrs. Marilynn Alsdorf, Chicago, Ill., by 1971; given to the Art Institute, 1971.

Object information is a work in progress and may be updated as new research findings emerge. To help improve this record, please email . Information about image downloads and licensing is available here.

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Date Dates are not always precisely known, but the Art Institute strives to present this information as consistently and legibly as possible. Dates may be represented as a range that spans decades, centuries, dynasties, or periods and may include qualifiers such as c. (circa) or BCE.

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