Description
Forming a dance trio with masks known as gu and zamble (also on display in this case), zauli—or, “the Ugly”—is sometimes identified as zamble’s elder brother or father, and functions as his handsome counterpart. Zauli is everything that zamble is not: dirty, disorderly, brusque, rude, greedy, and somewhat funny. The mask is both admired and feared for its sudden mood swings and supernatural power. Even though Guro masks are now held primarily for entertainment, they were originally developed to divert evil.
Provenance
Mathias Komor Gallery, New York, N.Y., by 1975 [acquisition documentation in curatorial file]; sold to the Art Institute, 1976.
Accession Number
50273
Medium
Wood, kaolin, and metal tacks
Dimensions
64.2 × 17.8 × 15.3 cm (25 1/4 × 7 × 6 in.)
Classification
masks
Credit Line
The Art Institute of Chicago, Purchased with funds provided by Mr. and Mrs. Eugene A. Davidson