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Female Face Mask (Gu), Guro, Early 20th century
Guro

Female Face Mask (Gu)

Early 20th century · Mask

Can I see it?

Not on view at present

Where is “Female Face Mask (Gu)” now? Collection: Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago. Not on view at present. Checked September 29, 2026.

Art Institute of Chicago

Chicago, United States

It belongs to the collection, but is not on display at present.

Checked
In this state since
Source
The museum
On the mapMuseum page

About the sculpture

The hairstyle and the scarifications on this female mask, named Gu after the spirit it embodied, reflect the beauty standards favored by the Guro. Elaborate hair arrangements express both social status and wealth, since a woman sporting one must rely on the help of fellow women for its creation. Though the mask is no longer performed, Gu once formed a trio with two male characters. The refinement of Gu’s facial features stood in stark contrast with her chaotic and turbulent performance.

Art Institute of ChicagoCC BY 4.0

Details

Accession number
1950.154

What it shows

Mask

In the catalog

SculptureWoodImpressionismModernism20th centuryGuroArts of AfricaAfrican ArtCoastal West AfricaCôte d'Ivoire

Sources

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All works on the theme
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