Guro Yu mask
The Guro culture is famous for its masked festivities, sometimes religious sometimes secular.
This African Yu mask was worn during religious ceremonies; he represents an idealized ancestor.
Three sacred masks are usually on display, centered around the zamble, a mythical ancestor depicted with antelope and leopard features. Accompanying zamble are his grotesque brother, Zuali, and his beautiful wife, gu.
This gu mask derives its name from the translation, "brave woman". It is one of the many yu masks worn by the Guro when mourning deceased members of the community.
Gu reflects the beauty ideals of the Guro people. She is attractive, sings the praises of her father and protects the young wives against any ill will of their new family. The wearer of the gu mask will often play and mock gender roles with the wearer of the zamble.
The three yu masks belong to respected Guro families. In addition to being worn in funeral ceremonies, they come out for celebrations, to resolve disputes as well as to unmask sorcerers.
The Guro share stylistic and cultural elements with the Baoulé and the Yohoure.
Like many ethnic groups throughout Africa, the Gouro have maintained or reappropriated their traditional practices, some of which are recognized by UNESCO.
You can see it in the film here, masks like this are still dancing.
02343
Data sheet
- Size
- Ethnic group
- Material(s)
- Wood
- Country
- Stand
- Included
- Condition
- Excellent
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The Guro culture is famous for its masked festivities, sometimes religious sometimes secular.
This African Yu mask was worn during religious ceremonies; he represents an idealized ancestor.
Three sacred masks are usually on display, centered around the zamble, a mythical ancestor depicted with antelope and leopard features. Accompanying zamble are his grotesque brother, Zuali, and his beautiful wife, gu.
This gu mask derives its name from the translation, "brave woman". It is one of the many yu masks worn by the Guro when mourning deceased members of the community.
Gu reflects the beauty ideals of the Guro people. She is attractive, sings the praises of her father and protects the young wives against any ill will of their new family. The wearer of the gu mask will often play and mock gender roles with the wearer of the zamble.
The three yu masks belong to respected Guro families. In addition to being worn in funeral ceremonies, they come out for celebrations, to resolve disputes as well as to unmask sorcerers.
The Guro share stylistic and cultural elements with the Baoulé and the Yohoure.
Like many ethnic groups throughout Africa, the Gouro have maintained or reappropriated their traditional practices, some of which are recognized by UNESCO.
You can see it in the film here, masks like this are still dancing.