31 cm Antique Wooden Marka Mask Brass | Exclusive Wall Art | 500g

Antique Hand-Carved Marka Mask with Brass Fittings & Nose Rings – Mali – ca. 1950

Specifications: H 31 × W 10 cm | Weight: 500 grams | Hand-carved Hardwood | Hammered Copper/Brass Fittings | Four Ritual Nose Rings

We proudly present an exceptionally expressive, texture-rich, and characterful masterpiece within the African ethnographica section: an authentic antique hand-carved wooden Marka (Warka) mask from Mali (West Africa). This ceremonial mask dates from the mid-20th century (ca. 1940-1960). With a height of 31 cm and a solid weight of 500 grams, this mask is in magnificent, unrestored, and completely original condition.

Rich Marka Iconography & Metalworking

This tribal mask stands out for its layered use of materials and serves as a raw, historical eye-catcher and exclusive wall art in any modern or high-end interior:

• Hammered Brass Fittings: The entire forehead area is masterfully fitted with a thick sheet of yellow copper / brass. The local blacksmith has hand-finished the plate with a finely punched stipple pattern, a central oval textile inlay, and a wreath of stylized cowrie shells.
• Four Jingling Nose Rings: A highly rare and iconographically significant detail are the four loose metal rings that hang through the bridge of the nose and the mouth opening. These rings produced a specific sound during ritual dances to invoke spiritual protection.
• Magical Fetish Bundle: Between the two massive upright horns on the crown lies an original ritual bundle, wrapped with historical textile fibers and thick ropes. The deep grooves of the wood and fittings are saturated with old temple dust and legitimate age-related corrosion.

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