Mask: Gu

An evocation of feminine beauty, Gu belongs to a grouping of ancient masks called yu. Yu are owned collectively by families of the Guro people who dance them for special events or to mourn a deceased member of the community. Gu (brave female) dances with her husband Zamble, the ideal male, and his wild brother Zauli. Together they act out—and sometimes mock—gender roles. Gu’s curving antelope horns emphasize her gracefulness, while her elegant, symmetrical features convey otherworldly beauty, enhanced by the delicate patterns of scars below each eye. Traces of red and white pigment attest the mask was originally brightly painted.