Guro African Zamble Carved Wood Mask Antelope Crocodile

Rare offering from a private collection of African art. Ceremonial mask
used in dances dates to the early 1900's, not a tourist item. The mask
stands 19" tall. Zamble masks are carved in the shape of an antelope
head with a crocodile jaw and teeth.
The Guro people live in the Ivory Coast of West Africa. The Guro have
lived in this area for hundreds of years. The Guro were originally known
as the "Kweni," but during colonization by the French in the early
1900s they were given the Baule name "Guro."
The carved wood ceremonial face masks of the Guro people are used in
dances, including harvest festivals, the entertainment of important
guests, and secret initiation society rituals. Traditionally the dances
include Zamble, his wife Gu and sometimes Zambles brother Zuli. The
couple dances together wearing the masks. When not being used in dances
the masks are used to present sacrificial offerings by villagers seeking
good health or fortune.
This mask has a loop at the top for hanging. The front teeth on the
bottom jaw are chipped and front tooth on the top jaw has a smaller
chip. Please see the close up photos for condition of the teeth. The
wood is solid and in good stable condition.