GURO

COTE D’IVOIRE

Much traditional Art in Africa has a social or religious function. Some of the output of the Guropeople, however, amongst others, serves a purely aesthetic function. Numerous everyday utensils were decorated for the pure joy of beauty. Amongst these are embellished pulley holders used on weaving looms. The Guro were famous for their fine workmanship on such pulley holders. Their work is often best viewed in profile as witnessed by the exquisitely coiffured girl’s head. It is also suggested that such pieces evoked the presence of friends to keep the weaver company whilst working.