The Guro tribe of Cote D'Ivoire and the Magical art of the Zaouli dances

So much has been written about the Guro tribe, and yet so little has been told of the concepts behind the Zaouli dance masks, and more importantly about the hitherto unseen near lifesize carved wooden Zaouli figures.

Videos abound of impressive Zauli dancers at bygone festivals in Cote d'Ivoire, taken by intrepid explorers, and yet again few know or truly understand the history and the myths that surround these sacred pieces and dances.

Dr Stephen Thanni and his team in Africa have for more than a decade, sought to find the finest and most spiritual dance masks and associated tribal art sculptures. This search involving over 30 villages and many 'Chiefs' and Elders, has uncovered some of the most magnificent and elaborate art sculptures ever created by the Kweni tribe - known to outsiders, as 'the Guro'.

Never before have many of these pieces been seen by Western eyes. These art pieces we found were sculpted by some of the best master carvers in West African history. Many were created by the most famous carver of all of them, 'Sabu Bi Boti' from the village of Tibeita.
Such pieces were carved in sacred forests and stored in hidden places away from the eyes of Women, children and until now 'Westerners'...