MASQUE, GURO, CÔTE D'IVOIRE |

Olivier Le Corneur, Paris
Lempertz, Cologne, 1^er avril 2004, n° 50
Alain de Monbrison, Paris
Collection Marceau Rivière, Paris, acquis ca. 2010

Arts d'Afrique Noire, Hiver 1984, n° 52, p. 58

Good condition overall. Wear consistent with age and use within the culture. Some of the carving to the braids and eyebrows are slightly worn but remain in very good condition overall. Only the tip of the uppermost plait has been broken and glued. Remains of light patina that has mostly disappeared on the face.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Le masque gu représente, dans la pensée Guro, une belle femme chantant les louanges de sa contrepartie masculine, et protège les jeunes épouses contre toute malveillance de la part de leur belle-famille. La coiffure et les délicates scarifications témoignent du statut social élévé de la jeune femme ici représentée. Ce masque illustre magnifiquement la beauté idéale telle que les Guro la concevaient et la signifiaient dans leurs masques gu.