This is a striking, authentic Marka (Maraka) mask from Mali, West Africa. Hand-carved from a single block of dense hardwood, the mask features a traditional elongated facial structure characteristic of the Sahel region. The surface is adorned with hand-hammered brass or tin alloy sheeting, meticulously applied to the forehead, cheeks, and eyes with small hand-wrought metal pins.

The mask features a prominent, high-bridged nose, small pierced eyes, and an open mouth with two inset triangular "teeth." A significant feature of this piece is the original indigo-dyed fiber beard and the attached hand-painted textile hood, which displays geometric mud-cloth (Boghlan) style patterns. The interior shows clear evidence of hand-tooling and an aged patina consistent with ritual use and significant age.

• Origin: Mali, West Africa (Marka/Bambara People)

• Age: Circa early to mid-20th Century

• Material: Hardwood, Brass/Metal Sheeting, Cotton Fiber, Indigo Dye, Pigment

• Dimensions: Approx. 10" Height x 6" Width

• Weight: 1.25 lbs.

Condition Report: Good Vintage/Antique Condition. The wood shows an authentic aged patina with expected minor surface cracking and wear to the pigment. The metal overlay shows oxidation and a natural tarnish. The fiber beard and cloth hood are intact but show age-related fading and fraying, which adds to the piece’s character and provenance. Please see photos for a detailed view of the hand-carved interior and tool marks.

Reference for Citation

Reference: The Dance of Spirits: African Masks from the Barber-Mueller Museum

Author: Iris Hahner-Herzog, Maria Kecskési, and László Vajda

Page Number: Page 56 (Section: Marka and Bambara Masks of Mali)

Note: This text discusses the specific use of metal plating and fiber attachments in the Niger River region.

Item dimensions: 10" tall × 6" wide × 3.5" deep  

Weight of item: 1 lb  4.4 oz

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Item Description and Condition Disclaimer

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