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Female Face Mask (Gu)

A work made of wood and pigment.

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  • A work made of wood and pigment.

Date:

Early 20th century

Artist:

Guro
Côte d’Ivoire
Coastal West Africa

About this artwork

The hairstyle and the scarifications on this female mask, named Gu after the spirit it embodied, reflect the beauty standards favored by the Guro. Elaborate hair arrangements express both social status and wealth, since a woman sporting one must rely on the help of fellow women for its creation. Though the mask is no longer performed, Gu once formed a trio with two male characters. The refinement of Gu’s facial features stood in stark contrast with her chaotic and turbulent performance.

Status

Currently Off View

Department

Arts of Africa

Artist

Guro

Title

Female Face Mask (Gu)

Place

Côte d'Ivoire (Object found 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.

1900–1925

Medium

Wood and pigment

Dimensions

31.8 × 13 × 9.8 cm (12 1/2 × 5 1/8 × 3 7/8 in.)

Credit Line

Bequest of Kate L. Brewster

Reference Number

1950.154

Extended information about this artwork

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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