Guéré / Kru mask, Ivory Coast - Lot 129

Guéré / Kru mask, Ivory Coast Pierced by several circular pupils in reference to the often-quoted West African expression "four eyes", qualifying a person endowed with the power of divination, this mask, on which various excrescences and a huge toothed mouth form a disparate assemblage, adopts a singular physiognomy. Velvety, grainy matte patina. Ochre and white highlights 30 x 13 cm Sold without base The Guéré people live in southwestern Côte d'Ivoire. Their chief is the bodio, who lives in seclusion. Unlike most West African populations, they are not subject to the Poro society. Their tubular masks are said to be of Obi origin, and may symbolize the mythical creatures that inhabit the forests on the banks of the Cavally, and to whom the people address themselves in ritual ceremonies. The interest of cubist painters and modern sculptors in the abstract forms of the Guéré mask can be seen in some of their works, such as Picasso's metal guitar of 1914. source: "Trésors de Côte d'Ivoire. F.Neyt"