African Arts Gallery

Female statue Gouro, Guro (N° 16997)

This statue was displayed on the heads of dancers during parties or kept on an altar for divinatory purpose. The fleshy, semi-resped lower limbs form one of the specificities of the sculptural expression of the region. The abdomen is shared by a large scarred band still impregnated with white pigments, the residue of which is tiny on the face and the folds of the neck. The facial features are reminiscent of the masks of the neighboring Dans. Brand of opulence, ringed neck top. Shards on one ear and a breast. Nice rare piece. Cracked base with native restoration.
Organized in lineages, the Gouros are the western neighbours of the Baoulé in the west of the Middle Sassandra, whose sculpture they inspired. Priest and soothsayer share the predominant ritual functions among the Guro. The secret associations worship the geniuses of nature, through the masks in which spirits are supposed to reside. Their protective spirits called zuzu were revered by statues placed on altars. The masks gu, gye and dye, in the hands of notables, are only displayed during major funerals or the induction of a chief (Kerchache).