This anthrozoomorphic mask stands out for the richness of its iconography, incorporating expressive zoomorphic attributes: animal horns, simian-like snout, and omnipresent tubular eyes. These eyes symbolize an absolute vigilance-essential to the mask's role in Guéré society. Used in rituals to identify wrongdoers or restore communal order, this type of mask embodied supernatural justice. Its powerful visual language, balancing human figuration and animal borrowings, reinforces the aura of authority and mystery inherent to these mediating figures.

Dance mask
wood, old brown patina
late 19th century
Guere people
Ivory Coast

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