Mask "djela" ·  Côte d'Ivoire, Guro · ID: 3042886

Description

wood, brown patina, remains of black colour and polychrome painting (green, red and indigo blue pigment), framed by a broad rim with incised decor, crossbar backside (for fixing the mask with the mouth), washing patina, cracks.
“Djela” is considered an offspring of the mask couple “zamble” and “gu” and even in appearance “djela” is a mixture of both of the mask types. Accordingly present mask shows snout and flat horns of “zamble” and the idealized female facial features of “gu”. The costume of “djela” is remarkable. Long raffia fiber bundles are tied around the wooden masks rim. The body of the performer is hidden by a mesh fabric. Around his waist a short raffia skirt is tied, and ruffles of the same material are attached to his arms and ankles. “Djela” is a splendid dancer who performs at all kinds of festive public occasions, but fulfills no ritual function.

Comparing literature

Fischer, Eberhard, Guro, Masks, Munich, Berlin, London, New York 2008, p. 275 ff.

Notices

This object is subject to the UNESCO Cultural Heritage Protection Act. Export documents are required for export (subjected to a fee).