In central Ivory Coast, considerable stylistic & cultural overlap exists between the Baule and Guro making it difficult to distinguish between
their masks. From time to time, dance competitions are held between neighboring
villages at which these masks perform. Such masquerades in various forms are
popular entertainment in central Ivory Coast. The masks allow a closer contact with
the supernatural world. Zoomorphic elements (horns, birds etc.) identify a mask as
that of a mythological being, and the face masks are portraits representing individuals
who embody an ideal in their culture. Although portrait masks depict a person in his
or her prime, their performance suggests a dignified elder.
Gu, the wife of Zamble,
follows the Zamble mask in rituals. It dances elegantly and is not accompanied by
drums. Rattles around the dancer’s ankles provide musical accompaniment to the
dance. Antelope skin sometimes covers the dancers back, rather than the leopard
worn by Zamble.
Note, a very similar one to this sold at Sotheby's in New York on May 11, 2012 Lot 95 and sold for $50,000.