Seli Gouro masks in traditional African art

This African mask has a beautiful polychrome patina and appendages accompanied by a ram figurine. The small rounded horns also support the ram. Like many other populations presently established in central Côte d'Ivoire, the Gouro, a Mande tribe, would have migrated several centuries ago from a more northern space to the central savannahs of the present day. Ivory Coast which have become the crossroads of encounter of very diverse cultures. This migratory movement was first provoked by the collapse of the Mali Empire, and then began the Mande invasions of the second half of the 18th century.

This great axis of circulation between the peoples of the Sahel and the Ivory Coast and Ghana, connected during the centuries intermediary kingdoms and places of commerce. It seems that the Gouro had relations originally very close to their neighbors dan with they share the tradition of the mask and initiatory associations. The traditions of weaving and sculpture seem, as Hans Himmelheber has said, to be completely original and owe nothing to contact with the Baoulé who arrived in the 18th century. They emanate from their Mande origin whose mastery of textile activity is old and widely attested, especially among the Dioula; it constituted until the colonial period the engine of a very active trade.

This tribal mask was bought by a collector. Browse our art gallery to find other African masks from Ivory Coast.

47 x 23 cm