H x W x D: 18.6 x 19.9 x 33.6 cm (7 5/16 x 7 13/16 x 13 1/4 in.)
Type:
Mask
Geography:
Côte d'Ivoire
Date:
Mid-20th century
Label Text:
Dye is the sacred mask ensemble of the southern Guro. This mask is one of a series of animal masks creatures of the forests, who wear costumes of plant fiber. According to field research published by the Rietberg Museum, Zurich, this mask represents Bolu, the hippopotamus. It is physically similar to the elephant mask and indeed he actual animal hippo is rarely seen by the Guro.
Description:
Wood mask with deep flange rim, open mouth with pointed teeth, large oval earsl Painted black, red and white
Provenance:
Mr. and Mrs. Arnold Newman, New York, before 1975
Exhibition History:
Celebration: A World of Art and Ritual, Renwick Gallery, Washington D.C., March 17, 1982-July 10, 1983
Published References:
Smithsonian Institution. Office of Folklife Programs and Renwick Gallery of the National Museum of American Art. 1982. Celebration: A World of Art and Ritual. Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian Institution Press, p. 205, no. 255c.
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