Gouro zamble mask, Ivory Coast - Lot 115

Gouro zamble mask, Ivory Coast Hardwood with brown patina, black, red and white pigments H. 42 cm Among the Gouro of the north, the Mwan and the Wan, the zahouli dance includes three masks: the ancestor Zahouli, his wife Zamblé and their son Gou. (...) Zamblé is represented in the form of a harnessed guib zuru, (...) and with its open mouth and hanging tongue, the mask evokes the goli leopard, whose skin covers the dancer. (In. Corps Sculptés, corps parés, corps masqués - Chefs-d'oeuvre de Côte d'Ivoire, p. 130). Characteristic of the composite Zamble style, note the detail of the small ears, in line with the forehead scarification. The high horns and the short, herringbone-shaped hair are decorated with beautiful regularity, the red pigment highlights contrasting with the overall black lacquered hue. Vivid internal carving. Expert : Madame Emanuelle Menuet