Marka (Bamana) Mask
Mali
A mask constructed along a vertical axis, the form organised as an elongated, tapering face with applied metal sheathing and paired horn elements.
Description
The face is reduced to a narrow vertical plane tapering to a pointed lower terminus, structured by a projecting central ridge forming the nose along the upper facial axis. Hammered metal sheeting is fixed across the surface, bordered by applied metal strips that define recessed fields to either side. Narrow horizontal apertures define the eyes beneath a continuous metal band. Above, two horn elements rise from the crown, both spirally carved. Textile bindings remain at fixing points, securing the metal elements to the underlying wooden core.
Surface is compact and stable. Patina is retained across metal and wood surfaces; exposure at raised elements. Pigment is reduced at the right horn.
Context
Among the Marka, masks of this type are used within initiation ceremonies.
Provenance
From the Felice Maffei Collection, acquired in Mali, 1971.
Details
- Title
- Marka (Bamana) Mask
- Culture
- Marka (Bamana)
- Origin
- Mali
- Date
- 20th century
- Dimensions
- H 49 cm (19.3 in) · W 15 cm (5.9 in)
- Medium
- Wood, hammered metal, textile
- Provenance
- From the Felice Maffei Collection, acquired in Mali, 1971.
- Condition
- Surface stable; metal sheathing and textile retained; exposure at raised elements.
