The Guro (Gouro) of Ivory Coast carve masks as symbols of belief as much as craft. This one represents Gu, wife of the supernatural being Zamble — her horns a mark of spiritual power believed to protect both the owner and the community. Bird motifs, often hornbill, are a recurring feature. Guro masks remain part of traditional dance performed at funerals and weddings today, honouring ancestors and marking key life events.
