Gouro Mask, Zamble

Zamble is one of the most famous masks Guro ( central western Côte d' Ivoire); its unique features , half leopard , half antelope is directly associated with this ethnic group and alone in an area where the different population groups yet know much interaction .

Regarding the masks , particularly , the influences are frequent and sometimes exceed the formal level . Beyond aesthetic considerations, Zamble is interesting in more ways than one because it is a hinge between the profane masks that depend on artists' associations and sacred masks. Zamble as sacred examples is placed under the care of a responsible family worship but the success encountered performance and recognition publiquede the identity of the holder also place it in the category of the most secular entertainment masks. Its interventions can take place in the limited context of family ritual for a sacrifice offered to the ancestors or during funerals involving several large villages. This particular ceremony requires a huge financial investment for the celebration of the deceased . These economic considerations also are forcing more and more families to organize a joint event to commemorate several deaths at a time. Dignitaries invite many villages masks and frequently two Zamble that compete for a whole day . These competitions Zamble are so famous that they gather around the dancing , spectators from some extremely remote villages and even in the capital where some resident. Yet it is not only an entertainment for the simple act of watching shows that involve the supernatural powers can be a hazard .
ex collection Tom Peter Nederland 50 cm