{"product_id":"authentic-marka-african-mask-mali-hammered-brass-copper-over-wood-bambara-ntomo-ritual-carving-mid-20th-century-10-tribal-art","title":"Authentic Marka African Mask Mali - Hammered Brass \u0026 Copper Over Wood - Bambara Ntomo Ritual Carving - Mid-20th Century - 10\" Tribal Art","description":"\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis is a hand-carved ritual mask origi\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003enating from the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMarka (Winiama)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e people of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMali\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. Measuring approximately 11 inches in length, this mask is carved from a single dense block of indigenous hardwood. The facial surface is entirely clad in thin, hand-hammered \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ebrass and copper alloy plates\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, meticulously secured with hand-cut metal tacks.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe design features a high, prominent forehead topped with two tapering horns—a traditional representation of the antelope, symbolizing strength and speed. A distinct, raised nasal bridge is covered in a decorative ribbed metal strip, flanked by narrow, rectangular pierced eyes. Small tufts of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ered dyed wool\/fiber\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e remain pinned into the metalwork, representing spiritual vitality or \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003enyama\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. The metal is decorated with fine \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003erepoussé punch-work\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, creating a textured surface th\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eat reflects light during ceremonial dances.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003eHistorical Context: The Marka People\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Marka are a subgroup of the Mande people, closely related to the Bambara. Their art is world-renowned for its unique fusion of wood carving and metalwork. These masks are primarily use\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ed by the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNtomo society\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, a tran\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003esitional association for young men. The metal cladding is not merely decorative; it serves to \"cool\" the spiritual power of the mask and reflects the status of the wearer. The presence of the vertical horns indicates a specific ritual role associated with the protection of secret knowledge and the transition into adulthood.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003eCondition \u0026amp; Collector’s Note\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAuthenticity:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Unlike modern mass-produced \"market\" reproductions, this piece shows correct hand-chiseled interior marks and authentic oxidation on the metal tacks.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCondition:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e The wood remains structurally sound with no major splits. The metalwork shows an attractive, warm patina with minor \"lifting\" at the edges and some compression near the chin, consistent with vintage ethnographic items.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAge:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Circa 1940s–1960s. The density of the wood and the specific repoussé patterns indicate mid-20th-century craftsmanship from the Marka region, far superior to later decorative copies.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003eOrigin \u0026amp; Materials\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCulture:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Marka (Winiama\/Bambara influence)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRegion:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Mali, West Africa\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Hand-carved hardwood, hammered brass and copper sheeting, hand-cut tacks, red dyed natural fiber.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAge:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Mid-20th Century.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003eAcademic Reference\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSource:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA History of Art in Africa\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAuthor:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Monica Blackmun Visonà, Robin Poynor, and Herbert M. Cole\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003e\u003cspan id=\"docs-internal-guid-b7548287-7fff-57e6-1fa7-ea7cc9362737\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReference:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Chapter 4: \"Western Sudan\" — Marka and Bambara Metal-Clad Sculpture, Page 124.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eItem dimensions\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e: 11\" tall × 3.75\" wide × 2.5\" deep  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWeight of item\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e: 8.2 oz\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eShipping calculated by eBay\/USPS\/UPS based on your ZIP code.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eItem Description and Condition Disclaimer\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWe take great care in researching, identifying, and describing each antique item to the best of our ability, drawing on available resources and hands-on examination. However, as dedicated enthusiasts rather than professional appraisers or certified experts, we cannot offer guarantees on authenticity, age, origin, or precise valuation. We strongly recommend that buyers perform their own due diligence, including consulting reference materials or experts, and thoroughly examine the accompanying photographs. These images are an essential component of our listing and depict the item's actual condition, including any visible flaws, wear, or imperfections consistent with its antique nature. It is the buyer’s responsibility to inspect each lot and form their own assessment on condition, description and authenticity before purchasing.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCustomer Service Commitment\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan id=\"docs-internal-guid-acdb64aa-7fff-8cf5-42c8-64c887916f05\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWe truly value our customers and prioritize building lasting relationships through exceptional service. If you'd like additional photos or have questions about an item, we're more than happy to provide them promptly upon request. In the event of any concerns after purchase, please reach out to us as soon as possible—certainly before submitting feedback—so we can work together to resolve the matter swiftly and fairly. Our utmost focus is on customer satisfaction, and we'll do everything in our power to ensure every transaction is smooth, transparent, and positive for you.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Light and Legacy","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43777395327019,"sku":"290","price":575.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0614\/5379\/5371\/files\/20250903_221454_e6c9c354-6dfe-41fb-b1dd-9b31c1697f2d.png?v=1774364578","url":"https:\/\/thelightandlegacy.com\/products\/authentic-marka-african-mask-mali-hammered-brass-copper-over-wood-bambara-ntomo-ritual-carving-mid-20th-century-10-tribal-art","provider":"Light and Legacy","version":"1.0","type":"link"}