Mask

Guro artist

19th century

Wood

Minneapolis Institute of Art

A carved wooden mask with a dark, textured headdress and a reddish-brown face. The mask features closed eyes, a prominent nose, and an open mouth with visible teeth. These masks represent the Guro conception of idealized feminine beauty. The woman depicted has filed teeth, scarification marks, modestly downcast eyes and an elaborate hairdo. Masks like these were used in Poro society dances to provide an example of how a proper Guro woman behaves. Today they are primarily used in village entertainment festivals. Gallery Not on View The Christina N. and Swan J. Turnblad Memorial Fund