Excellent Marka mask, carved from wood and steel clad. These masks appeared during initiation ceremonies for young boys. Embodying features of the antelope, who were admired for their speed and agility. In good condition with a nice aged patina.
The Marka people were merchants during the time of the Banbara Empire and done most of their trading with Berber merchants who had crossed the Sahara. After the Banbara empire was defeated in 1850 by the Muslim, Umar Tall the Marka people lost control of this trade and never really recovered.
34cm / 13.5" tall
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The Marka people were merchants during the time of the Banbara Empire and done most of their trading with Berber merchants who had crossed the Sahara. After the Banbara empire was defeated in 1850 by the Muslim, Umar Tall the Marka people lost control of this trade and never really recovered.
34cm / 13.5" tall
Listed with ExportYourStore.com