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Gouro 'Zamble' African Tribal Mask, Ivory Coast.
Sold by M Cross Antiques
sold SA1182164
Sorry, but this item has been sold.
M Cross Antiques

M Cross Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Oct 2025
Browse dealers 59 items
  • About Us
    We specialise in period furniture, decorative antiques and artwork.
Id #SA1182164
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Gouro 'Zamble' African Tribal Mask, Ivory Coast.

1900 - 1920
Sold 10 October 2026 · M Cross Antiques
This “Gouro 'Zamble' African Tribal Mask, Ivory Coast” found a buyer.

It was listed by M Cross Antiques. Sold pieces stay on Sellingantiques as a record of what has passed through, and the next one is rarely far away.

Description

A large and impressively carved "Zamble"-type mask from the Guro ethnic group, central Ivory Coast.

The zamble masks combine the attributes of hyena, antelope, leopard and crocodile. Like all Guro masks, they can be polychrome or come in brown and black. In Guro culture, distinctions are made between masquerades that are the focus of cults and those that are more secular in nature. A sequence of three sacred masks centres around Zamble, a mythical male being whose form fuses antelope and leopard features. He is in turn complemented by his beautiful wife, Gu, and his wild, grotesque brother, Zuali. Such representations are owned by certain families that use them as the loci of sacrificial offerings proposed by diviners to improve their well-being.

This particular mask is of a large size (59cm height) and is in very good condition. We have noted some signs of use and wear to padding attached to the rear. See images for details.

Physical Dimensions
Height
59cm (23.23")
Declaration

M Cross Antiques has dated this Gouro Zamble Tribal Mask to the Edwardian era.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1182164
Dealers Internal Reference
704
Dealers Notes

Delivery within the UK mainland (excluding Devon, Cornwall, Scotland & Wales) is free of charge and will be completed by my own privately appointed courier. Please enquire with us for delivery costs if in Devon, Cornwall, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland.

Alternatively, buyer to collect.

Description
A large and impressively carved "Zamble"-type mask from the Guro ethnic group, central Ivory Coast.

The zamble masks combine the attributes of hyena, antelope, leopard and crocodile. Like all Guro masks, they can be polychrome or come in brown and black.

“
In Guro culture, distinctions are made between masquerades that are the focus of cults and those that are more secular in nature.
M Cross Antiques

A sequence of three sacred masks centres around Zamble, a mythical male being whose form fuses antelope and leopard features. He is in turn complemented by his beautiful wife, Gu, and his wild, grotesque brother, Zuali. Such representations are owned by certain families that use them as the loci of sacrificial offerings proposed by diviners to improve their well-being.

This particular mask is of a large size (59cm height) and is in very good condition. We have noted some signs of use and wear to padding attached to the rear. See images for details.

Height
59cm (23.23")
Date of Manufacture

M Cross Antiques has dated this Gouro Zamble Tribal Mask to the Edwardian era.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1182164
Dealers Internal Ref
704
M Cross Antiques
M Cross Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Oct 2025

We specialise in period furniture, decorative antiques and artwork.

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the M Cross Antiques Profile Page

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A carved wooden Guro Zamble helmet mask featuring an open-jawed snout with carved white teeth, red painted interior, dark horns, and woven fibre stitching along the base. SOLD10 OCT 26
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Archive I A carved wooden Guro Zamble helmet mask featuring an open-jawed snout with carved white teeth, red painted interior, dark horns, and woven fibre stitching along the base. SOLD10 OCT 26

Gouro 'Zamble' African Tribal Mask, Ivory Coast.

Archive II A carved wooden Guro Zamble helmet mask featuring an open-jawed snout with carved white teeth, red painted interior, dark horns, and woven fibre stitching along the base. View II
Archive III A carved wooden Guro Zamble helmet mask featuring an open-jawed snout with carved white teeth, red painted interior, dark horns, and woven fibre stitching along the base. View III
Archive IV A carved wooden Guro Zamble helmet mask featuring an open-jawed snout with carved white teeth, red painted interior, dark horns, and woven fibre stitching along the base. View IV
Archive V A carved wooden Guro Zamble helmet mask featuring an open-jawed snout with carved white teeth, red painted interior, dark horns, and woven fibre stitching along the base. View V
Archive VI A carved wooden Guro Zamble helmet mask featuring an open-jawed snout with carved white teeth, red painted interior, dark horns, and woven fibre stitching along the base. View VI
Archive VII A carved wooden Guro Zamble helmet mask featuring an open-jawed snout with carved white teeth, red painted interior, dark horns, and woven fibre stitching along the base. View VII
Archive VIII A carved wooden Guro Zamble helmet mask featuring an open-jawed snout with carved white teeth, red painted interior, dark horns, and woven fibre stitching along the base. View VIII
Archive IX A carved wooden Guro Zamble helmet mask featuring an open-jawed snout with carved white teeth, red painted interior, dark horns, and woven fibre stitching along the base. View IX
Archive X A carved wooden Guro Zamble helmet mask featuring an open-jawed snout with carved white teeth, red painted interior, dark horns, and woven fibre stitching along the base. View X
Archive XI A carved wooden Guro Zamble helmet mask featuring an open-jawed snout with carved white teeth, red painted interior, dark horns, and woven fibre stitching along the base. View XI
Archive XII A carved wooden Guro Zamble helmet mask featuring an open-jawed snout with carved white teeth, red painted interior, dark horns, and woven fibre stitching along the base. View XII
Enlarged Archival View
Telephone 07919 386955
Location
Lincolnshire
United Kingdom

Visit by appointment only.
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/mcross
Verified Since Oct 2025
Items For Sale 59
Items Sold 83
M Cross Antiques
M Cross Antiques
Verified Since Oct 2025
View Dealer Info
Location: Lincolnshire, United Kingdom, , Visit by appointment only.
Verified
Oct 2025
For Sale
59
Sold
83
A carved wooden Guro Zamble helmet mask featuring an open-jawed snout with carved white teeth, red painted interior, dark horns, and woven fibre stitching along the base.
Gouro 'Zamble' African tribal mask, Ivory coast.
Ref: SA1182164
A carved wooden Guro Zamble helmet mask featuring an open-jawed snout with carved white teeth, red painted interior, dark horns, and woven fibre stitching along the base.
Detail View 1
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Archival Detail
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Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectTribal Mask
  • Period1900 - 1920
  • StyleWest African Tribal
  • MaterialWood, Natural Pigments, Fibre
  • ColourDark Brown, Red, Off-White
  • MotifsZoomorphic snout, Curved horns, Exposed carved teeth, Woven fibre trim
  • SizeH 59 cm (23 in)

This Edwardian tribal mask originates from the Guro ethnic group of the central Ivory Coast, taking the form of a 'Zamble' helmet mask that fuses features of various animals. The wooden construction displays dark brown surfaces, vibrant red paint inside the open-jawed snout, and off-white carved teeth lining the mouth. Further details include curved horns atop the head, geometric markings in red and yellow on the upper structures, and a woven natural fibre trim stitched along the base with visible wear. Measuring 59 cm high, the sculpture represents a mythical male being combining antelope and leopard attributes. Displayed indoors today, it sits securely on a bookshelf as a striking maximalist decorative accent in a living room, study, or hallway interior.

Originating from the Guro people of the Ivory Coast, the Zamble mask is a sacred zoomorphic helmet mask representing a mythical combination of horned and predatory animals. It plays a vital role in social ceremonies, performance rites, and ancestral protection.

These masks are hand-carved from local hardwoods, decorated with natural mineral pigments for colour, and often fitted with woven plant fibres or raffia around the base to secure the masqueraders costume.

Authentic pieces generally display interior surface wear from actual ceremonial use, smooth handling patinas, evidence of traditional tool marks, and natural age-related drying cracks or oxidisation.

Tribal masks can be mounted on custom metal display stands for tabletop arrangement or hung on neutral gallery walls to highlight their graphic silhouettes and textural surfaces.

Dust the item gently using a soft, dry microfibre brush or cloth, avoiding liquid cleaners, oils, or chemicals that could damage original pigments and organic fibres. Keep the mask away from direct sunlight and extreme humidity variations.
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