GOUROU, Republic of Côte d'Ivoire - Lot 407

GOUROU, Republic of Côte d'Ivoire Dance mask featuring an expressive face, half-open mouth revealing teeth, half-closed eyes evoking a watchful interiority. The arches are marked with balance, the forehead sculpted with three scarifications. At the center of the forehead, two lateral protuberances evoke stylized fruits. At the top, a cubic structure topped by a streamlined aviform form crowns the whole. This characteristic mask was used for festive and ritual dances. Its complex frontal structure and ornamental elements underline its sacred role in community ceremonies. Hardwood, old brown patina. Height Height : 34 cm Width : 14 cm Provenance: former Merton-Simpson collection, New York; William Moore, Los Angeles Exhibitions: Palos Verdes Art Gallery, 1947; Los Angeles Conti Museum of Art, 1972 Internal use mark.