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Requires Photography
Mask with three birds
Guro
20th century
Object Place: Cote d'Ivoire
Medium/Technique
Wood and pigment
Dimensions
Overall: 33 x 16.5 x 9 cm (13 x 6 1/2 x 3 9/16 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Geneviève McMillan in memory of Reba Stewart
Accession Number2009.2582
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsContemporary Art, Africa and Oceania
ClassificationsMasks
This mask, which belongs to the Guro of Côte d'Ivoire, is one of three masks associated with high-ranking families. The masks are manifestations of forest spirits named Zamble, Gu, and Zauli. This mask is a representation of Gu, the wife of Zamble. Worn by a male dancer, Gu dances are calm and graceful and the mask is accompanied by an antelope hide worn on the back and rattles attached to the dancer's feet. The cephalic protrusions may represent antelope horns or an elaborate coiffe.
ProvenanceGeneviève McMillan (b. 1922 - d. 2008), Cambridge, MA; 2008, to the Geneviève McMillan and Reba Stewart Foundation, Cambridge; 2009, gift of the Geneviève McMillan and Reba Stewart Foundation to the MFA. (Accession Date: June 17, 2009)