Master of Gohitafla
Anthropomorphic face mask "gu", Guro, Côte d'Ivoire
It is considered the work of a "Master of Gohitafla", who was active in the 1920s / 30s. It impresses with its exceptional elegance and aesthetics. With great virtuosity, the sculptor creates a harmonious whole of beautifully moving outlines that swell backwards and forwards. Details that, in profile, reveal their full beauty and sophistication.
Stylistically, this work is closely related to masks in the Rietberg Museum, Zurich, but especially to a work in the Fred and Rita Richman Collection, New York (for more information please click lot 159 of the offer).
In the 1920s and 30s Gohitafla was already an important centre in the north of the Guro area on the old country road between Zuenula and Buake. It is known for its beautiful cotton fabrics made by local weavers, as well as for its 'zamble' and 'gu' mask dances. The importance of Guro art and its influence on artistic creation was already referred to by Hans Himmelheber ("Negerkünstler", Stuttgart 1934, p.56).
The aftersale of our Auction Africa, Oceania and Pre-Columbian Art continues: The list of the remaining items can be found here.
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