Native American Artifacts & Collectibles
Lot 96:
Mid-20th Century Guro Zoomorphic Dance Mask, Ivory Coast
18 in. Guro Zoomorphic Dance Mask, Ivory Coast – Ex Chuck & Eileen Hoffman Collection
Carved wooden zoomorphic dance mask attributed to the Guro people of Ivory Coast, formed as a stylized crocodilian spirit creature with elongated snout, open jaw with carved teeth, projecting tail, and incised geometric decoration. The mask displays slit-form eyes surrounded by red pigment, together with black, red, and natural wood surface coloration.
Approximately 18 inches in height.
Hand-carved wood with painted decoration. Numerous perforations are present around the perimeter for the attachment of raffia, fiber, textile, or other costume elements associated with masked dance performance. The interior retains visible hand-tool marks and displays accumulated wear and patina consistent with age and use.
Surface exhibits expected wear including paint loss, abrasions, handling marks, and age-related patina. The mask presents well with strong sculptural form and retains its decorative painted details and carved surface ornament.
Attributed to the Guro people, Ivory Coast. Mid-20th century. From the collection of Chuck and Eileen Hoffman, American international educators who spent much of the second half of the twentieth century living and working overseas, including in Africa. African art, tribal art, Guro, Ivory Coast, Cote d’Ivoire, dance mask, ceremonial mask, crocodile mask, zoomorphic mask, ethnographic art, folk art, and African carving keywords.
Condition: Ancient Authentic
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