Mask - Mali (No reserve price)

Pair of Bambara Marka Antelope Masks, Ritual Protection Ensemble

These two masks form a coherent Bambara Marka group, carved with clear functional intent rather than decorative excess. The elongated antelope heads with vertical horns reflect the agricultural symbolism central to Marka cosmology, where the antelope is understood as the teacher of farming knowledge and prosperity. The presence of aged surface, applied red fiber elements, and consistent carving language indicates use within ritual and community contexts rather than later decorative production.

Manufacturer and origin
Unattributed workshop, Mali, West Africa

Year of production
1940

Style / function
Bambara Marka ritual masks
Used for protection rites, agricultural celebrations, and prosperity ceremonies

Dimensions
Mask A: H 33.5 × W 11 × D 10 cm
Mask B: H 26 × W 10 × D 8.5 cm

Current condition
Original carved wood with visible age-related wear
Surface patina consistent with prolonged use
Minor abrasions and surface irregularities
No structural breaks or modern repairs observed

Value justification
The set retains strong ethnographic integrity through original materials, hand-carved construction, and ritual wear. The paired offering enhances contextual value, as Marka masks were often produced and used in groups rather than as isolated objects. The antelope form is one of the most culturally significant representations within Bambara and Marka traditions, directly tied to agricultural mythology and communal prosperity.



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