Mask - Markha Bambara - DR Congo
05
days
18
hours
29
minutes
51
seconds
Current bid
€ 35
Reserve price not met
Expert
Selected by Dimitri André
Holds a postgraduate degree in African studies and 15 years experience in African art.
Estimate € 150 - € 200
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 Bidder 0693 | €35 |
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Masque Marka Bambara from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, mid-20th century, 25 cm high and 1 cm deep, from a private collection.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
The Marka–Bamana masks come from the Marka and Bamana communities of Mali, two ethnic groups that share common artistic and spiritual traditions.
These masks, often associated with initiatic societies and agricultural rituals, are distinguished by their minimalist style and strong symbolism.
Carved in a locally durable wood, such as cailcédrat or kapok tree, the Marka Bamana masks generally feature an oval or rectangular face, with simplified and geometric features. Their slit eyes, straight nose, and discreet mouth give them a look that is both sober and expressive.
Some masks feature raised patterns, scarifications, or zoomorphic elements, reflecting local beliefs and history.
The surface of the masks is often covered with a dark patina, obtained by applying plant decoctions or earth, sometimes enhanced with natural pigments such as kaolin or ochre. This finish gives them an aged and ritual appearance, bearing witness to their use during ceremonies.
In Marka and Bamana traditions, these masks play a central role in agricultural celebrations, initiations, or funerals.
They embody protective spirits or ancestors, and their appearance is always accompanied by dances, songs, and offerings. Their function is both spiritual and social: they watch over the community, ensure the fertility of the lands, and remind everyone of collective values.
Introduction to our expertise firm
Based in Belgium, our appraisal and sales house specializes in African and ethnographic art. A leading seller on Catawiki for over 8 years, we enjoy a solid reputation and a track record of several hundred sales with a customer satisfaction rate close to 100%.
We regularly assist with liquidations, estates, and dispersals of collections, in collaboration with individuals and families in Belgium and neighboring countries. Our approach is designed to be rigorous, transparent and accessible, with sales often offered without a reserve price.
Some pieces that have passed through our hands have joined international private collections and, for some, museum institutions.
Shipping insured within 24 hours, with careful packaging, insurance, and tracking.
Contact 7 days a week: we remain available for any questions or requests for additional information.
The Marka–Bamana masks come from the Marka and Bamana communities of Mali, two ethnic groups that share common artistic and spiritual traditions.
These masks, often associated with initiatic societies and agricultural rituals, are distinguished by their minimalist style and strong symbolism.
Carved in a locally durable wood, such as cailcédrat or kapok tree, the Marka Bamana masks generally feature an oval or rectangular face, with simplified and geometric features. Their slit eyes, straight nose, and discreet mouth give them a look that is both sober and expressive.
Some masks feature raised patterns, scarifications, or zoomorphic elements, reflecting local beliefs and history.
The surface of the masks is often covered with a dark patina, obtained by applying plant decoctions or earth, sometimes enhanced with natural pigments such as kaolin or ochre. This finish gives them an aged and ritual appearance, bearing witness to their use during ceremonies.
In Marka and Bamana traditions, these masks play a central role in agricultural celebrations, initiations, or funerals.
They embody protective spirits or ancestors, and their appearance is always accompanied by dances, songs, and offerings. Their function is both spiritual and social: they watch over the community, ensure the fertility of the lands, and remind everyone of collective values.
Introduction to our expertise firm
Based in Belgium, our appraisal and sales house specializes in African and ethnographic art. A leading seller on Catawiki for over 8 years, we enjoy a solid reputation and a track record of several hundred sales with a customer satisfaction rate close to 100%.
We regularly assist with liquidations, estates, and dispersals of collections, in collaboration with individuals and families in Belgium and neighboring countries. Our approach is designed to be rigorous, transparent and accessible, with sales often offered without a reserve price.
Some pieces that have passed through our hands have joined international private collections and, for some, museum institutions.
Shipping insured within 24 hours, with careful packaging, insurance, and tracking.
Contact 7 days a week: we remain available for any questions or requests for additional information.
Details
Indigenous object name
Mask
Ethnic group/ culture
Markha Bambara
Country of Origin
DR Congo
Period
Mid 20th century
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Excellent condition
Height
25 cm
Width
1 cm
Depth
1 cm
Weight
1 g
Provenance
Private collection
Sold by
