A fine and powerful example, on a custom base.
The Guere people, often also called the We, are the ethnic group inhabiting parts of Ivory Coast and Liberia. This mask with bulging eyes, rounded forehead, open mouth with inserted metal teeth, red, black and white paint, cowrie shells on the top of the head, bells surrounding the mask, and attached cloth, is a beautiful example of Guere war masks. All such paraphernalia were thought to reinforce the power of the masks. All of this accounts for their identification as war masks but, according to some researchers, they are worn primarily during funerals and, in a detective capacity, to single out guilty persons.
Masks of the We people are also employed in the settlement of disputes and in ceremonies that convey moral messages. To their strong, distorted features which uniquely combine human and animal forms, are frequently added miscellaneous objects and materials to increase their spiritual power.
On a customised stand
Provenance:
- Private collection, Paris, France
- Galerie l'Atelier, Toulouse, France
For a comparative objects and further information on the subject see:
- Fischer, E., and Hamberger, L., 2015, African Masters: Art from Ivory Coast, Museum Rietberg: Zurich
- Phillips, T., 1999, A History of Art in Africa / Africa - The Art of a Continent
David Malík PhD
Founder/Director
