Face Mask Guro Peoples Côte d’Ivoire Mid-20 th Century

Côte d’Ivoire- Guro Peoples Part of the Côte d’Ivoire were Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, and Senegal Guro is the name of the cultural group in Côte d’Ivoire that is neighbored by the Baule, and connected to the Yaure, Wan, Anyi, and Attie groups Guros are not ruled over by kings but a council of elders that can appoint a war chief and discuss issues relating to land ownership and kinship

Masquerade The Guro are known for traditions in masquerade Many of the masks were carved out wood and were similar in style Prestige arts were made of valued materials For the Guro, masquerades played important roles for their social order

Mami Wata Mami Wata is translated as “Mother Water” which means half-fish, half-human. Mami Wata represents the ability to meditate earth and water Mami Wata was brought from Germany that was influenced by India Mami Wata has two parts:  Bottom half is the shape of an oval, and the colors are red, black, and white  The skin is red, the hair and outlines of the eyes are black. The outline of the hair and teeth are painted white  The top of the mask has a seated woman in a red dress with lipstick and painted toenails  She has snakes all around her, but is calm  There is a snake charmer playing a flute  Image of Mami Wata is popular throughout West Africa and African Diaspora