Marka / Warka Tribal Mask. Wood and Copper. Ceremonial. Mali. Africa.
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About 2.5 million Bambara people for the largest ethnic group in Mali. The Bambara Kingdom was founded in the 17th Century and reached its pinnacle by 1787. It has always been an agricultural society with cattle rearing a secondary source of food.
In the northern region of the Bambara territory are the Marka (aka Warka). They are well known for their unique and artistic masks that are covered with copper sheets along with other decorations.
Elongated ones, like this one, are commonly worn in dance ceremonies.
The condition is good with a crack on the crest. The adornments are more recent than the wood/metal mask itself.
Custom wood stand provided.
I have not seen a Marka mask of this quality in many years . . . other than in reference books and high end auction sites.
For the Serious Collector.