The Guro, a tribe of around 200,000 in the Côte d'Ivoire, bear resemblances to the Baule and are deeply intertwined with secret societies named "zuzu" dictating their daily life. Renowned for their artistry, the Guro craft exquisite masks, notably the Guro Yaure Portrait Mask, are celebrated for their lifelike human features and intricate details. Originally known as Kweni, they were forcibly renamed Guro during French colonization. Engaged in agriculture—cultivating cotton, rice, coffee, and cocoa—men clear fields while women handle planting. Guro masks, known for their elegance and vibrant colors, often bear burn marks and layers of paint, used in diverse ceremonies. The Guro society revolves around secret societies and protective spirits, notably, the Je society, governing social, political, and judicial matters, policing, and spiritual protection. Village life is regulated by elder councils and these secret societies. The Guro Yaure Portrait Mask symbolizes the tribe's cultural richness, crafted by skilled artisans, and prized by collectors worldwide as a masterpiece of African art, reflecting the Guro's cultural and spiritual significance.
