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Marka, Antelope Mask Tribe:Marka
Region: South-western Mali, border with Senegal
Size: 17"
Weight: 1lbs 3oz
Material: wood, copper
Two neighbouring tribes in the region i.e. the Marka and the Bamana (Bambara) people
live their lives quite independently (different language), however their traditions and style influence each other's art quite meaningfully.
The antelope plays a very important role in the rituals and beliefs of both the Marka
and Bamana people. The grace and speed of the antelope were symbols very
desirable to hunters. They represent the "chiwara"("Tyiwara") spirit,
the guardian of the harvest and also the one who is responsible for introducing agriculture
into people's lives. Masks were mainly used at ceremonies relating to fishing,
hunting, harvesting and farming. In Mali mythology the antelope is a symbol
of the power of the spirit.
Boys belonging to the N'tomo secret society use antelope masks like
this one at their initiation / circumcision ritual.
The elongated human face carved in wood is fully covered by narrow strips
of copper with ritual scarifications worked into the metal. The horns of bare
wood decorated with copper bands are believed to have strong magic power.
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