Guro/Baule Royal Helmet Mask
Ivory Coast
1920 - 1940
Its Story:
Carved by the Guro or Baule peoples, this elaborate helmet mask represents a high-ranking ceremonial spirit or royal dignitary. Encased in hand-woven textile and lined with dense cowrie shell embroidery and natural fur, it embodies supreme social standing, wealth, and spiritual power. Worn over the entire head during major festival dances, the cowrie adornment signifies sacred currency and royal prestige
Details:
*Estimated Age: Early-to-Mid 20th Century (c. 1920s–1940s)
*Full-surround helmet construction carved from indigenous hardwood
*Original hand-stitched woven textile casing with dense cowrie shell bandings
*Features natural animal hair tufts and lower woven raffia beard
*Deep interior wood oxidation with authentic hand-drilled attachment points