Living on the northwestern edge of the Ivory Coast (near the border of Burkina Faso) are the Guere. Their neighbors are the Wobe and – although separate tribes – they are often referred as the We (translated as “men who easily forgive”). According to Jean-Baptiste Bacquart’s book (Tribal Arts of Africa), this expression was the credo when the Wobe and Guere formed their alliance.
Guere carvers have always focused on creating extremely powerful faces – with protruding horns, open mouths, bulging eyes. Guere call them “war” masks. Interesting because most are created for funerals and in the “detective” capacity (to single out guilty persons).
This mask is unbelievable! I have never seen anything quite like this before… and I am thrilled to have found it through a avid Guere collector in Pennsylvania. This artistically crafted mask with exaggerated spider-like horns, elongated face, inset tacks, and the attached woven grass/rattan beard is certainly a rare and one-of-kind mask.
Cracks on back near jaw area & front on right side of crown. Otherwise in very good condition considering its use. Circa 1950s. A custom metal stand is included, if I can find it. Mask: 18+” long without beard x 9″ wide x 10″ deep. Stand: 31.5+” tall. Truly a rare and unique mask!