Mask

Gu mask from the Guru people of Côte d'Ivoire, with the “features of a young woman. In this example, characterized by its distinctive S-shaped profile, a large hemispherical forehead dominates the long, narrow face, enlivened by the prominent slender nose, the slightly open mouth revealing small filed teeth, and the carefully placed keloid scarifications. The coiffure forms elegant scalloped patterns across the forehead and is gathered into a high bun at the crown of the head, contributing significantly to the mask's strong sense of verticality” (quoted from E. Bassani [ed.], Arte dell'Africa Nera, Florence–Milan, Skira, 2000). The work is part of the Bassani Collection (inv. AFR 00043 2513A).

Photo: Paolo Vandrasch, Milano; Giuliano Spagnul, Milano; Vivi Papi, Varese.

Courtesy MUDEC.