Mémoire d’Afrique — Ref. 235
Marka mask — Marka, Mali — African tribal art — Ref. 235
Unavailable
Description
This Marka mask, originating from Mali, illustrates the refinement and artistic skill of this Bambara subgroup. Used in initiatory ceremonies and rites of passage, it served to channel spirits and mark essential stages in community life.
Characterised by an elongated face, it is adorned with incised motifs and covered with metal around the horns, a distinctive element of Marka masks. Once fitted with hair at the ends of the horns, now lost, it testified to the importance of organic and metal additions in the spiritual and social symbolism of the mask. These brass or copper ornaments reinforced the aesthetic and ritual value of the piece, underlining its prestigious role within ceremonies.
Carved from wood patinated by time, this mask is well preserved despite the loss of the original hair. Its elaborate style and metal ornamentation clearly distinguish it from more sober Bambara masks, linking it to the artistic tradition of the Marka.
Technical details
- Availability
- Unavailable
- Type of piece
- Masque
- Category
- Masks
- Ethnic group
- Marka
- Country
- Mali
- Materials
- wood, pompon, anneaux, cowries, poils
- Dimensions
- H 53 × W 10 × D 16 cm
- Weight
- 1,42 kg
- Estimated dating
- second half 20th c.
- Laboratory test
- Not tested
- Reference
- 235