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A work made of wood, kaolin, and metal tacks.

Male Face Mask (Zauli)

Possibly early or mid-20th century

Guro Côte d'Ivoire Coastal West Africa

Côte d'Ivoire

Forming a dance trio with masks known as gu and zamble (also on display in this case), zauli—or, “the Ugly”—is sometimes identified as zamble’s elder brother or father, and functions as his handsome counterpart. Zauli is everything that zamble is not: dirty, disorderly, brusque, rude, greedy, and somewhat funny. The mask is both admired and feared for its sudden mood swings and supernatural power. Even though Guro masks are now held primarily for entertainment, they were originally developed to divert evil.

Wood, kaolin, and metal tacks

Arts of Africa