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118 - Zamble Gouro (Guro) mask, Ivory Coast Materials: Wood, natur…
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Estimate €1,000 - €1,500
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Description
Zamble Gouro (Guro) mask, Ivory Coast Materials: Wood, natural pigments. Base included (gallery condition). Provenance: From James "Joopie" Permeke, grandson of the painter Constant Permeke. The objects presented in this sale come from the collection of James "Joopie" Permeke, grandson of the painter Constant Permeke. Permeke, grandson of major Belgian artist Constant Permeke. Kept in the family for several decades for several decades, this collection bears witness to a provenance directly linked to one of the most important one of Belgium's most important artistic lineages of the 20th century. Dimensions: H. 40 cm (46 cm with stand) Spectacular Zamble mask combining the attributes of the antelope and the forces of the bush, This work stands out for the remarkable quality of its sculpture and the exceptional conservation of its ancient polychromy. of its ancient polychromy. The long ringed horns, tapering snout, finely decorated geometric finely decorated geometric ears and engraved triangular motifs bear witness to a perfect mastery mastery of Gouro aesthetic canons. Particularly attractive is the first-generation patina that covers the entire surface. The black and white pigments appear deeply integrated into the material, revealing natural wear consistent with ancient use. Unlike many of today's often reworked or revitalised by glossier, varnished industrial paints, this mask varnished industrial paints, this mask retains the matt, mineral appearance characteristic of stains. This surface quality, which has become rare on the market, considerably enhances its ethnographic and aesthetic interest. Close observation reveals the use of natural pigments applied directly to the wood using ancient the wood, using ancient techniques. Although this technique does not allow us to date it evokes a period when local materials were still widely favoured before the widespread use of before the widespread use of imported commercial paints. This material authenticity contributes to the expressive power of the work and to the reading of its history. In the Gouro tradition, the Zamble mask belongs to one of the most prestigious masquerade ensembles in Côte d'Ivoire. prestigious masquerade ensembles in Côte d'Ivoire. A powerful and protective figure, it was used at important ceremonies ceremonies, where its presence embodied authority, courage and the mastery of wild forces. forces. Its hybrid iconography, combining human and animal features, reflects the ability of the to communicate with the powers of the invisible world. The quality of its workmanship, the excellence of its conservation and the rarity of its ancient polychromy, which has remained intact, make this an exemplary piece. intact, this piece is one of the most convincing representations of this emblematic emblematic of Gouro art.
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About the sale ARTS OF AFRICA & OCEANIA: Three exceptional family collections
Auction location
Auction time 06/22/2026 at 2:00 PM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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