Marka (Warka), Mali

Ceremonial Mask. The Marka live in the region that extends from the north of the Bambara to the Senegalese border. They live principally from agriculture with some subsidiary cattle. The dry savanna permits no more than a subsistence economy, and the soil produces, with some difficulty, millet, rice, and beans. Although the Marka are independent from the Bambara their styles show a strong Bambara influence. The Marka are mostly famous for their masks and puppets. The Marka dress their masks in gaily-colored costumes made of cloth. The masks were used in two rituals, during the circumcision ceremony of adolescents, and when circumcised men advanced from one grade to another. Along the Niger River the Marka use the masks in ceremonies related to fishing and farming. The specific function of this mask during ceremonies is not clear.

Material:  wood, cotton tassels

Size:   H. 12½”, W. 5½”, D. 3”

Price:   $195+$30 (S&H)                                               [#R2M7M189]