Yaure Mask

Yaure, (Guro) Cote ' Dvoire. Wood. Pigments
Height: 12".

Fantastic Yaure helmet mask of surrealistic appearance. Its half inverted but closed almond eyes, bulbous intricate hair do (probably the hair style of the time) parted three (3) ways, long T shaped nose, and the zig-zag pattern (idealized by many westerners) found behind and towards the base of the face, give this mask a most magical appearance.

The long tubular element on the chin was said to be associated with the wisdom and authority of the male elders.

It was supposed to have been used to welcome important visitors to the village but could have been assigned other duties.