31 cm Antique Wooden Marka Mask Brass | Exclusive Wall Art | 500g
Rated 5.0 out of 5.€275,00
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Certificate of authenticity & invoice
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Examined with microscope & UV light
Dating, condition, and quality verified by our experts · Read the findings
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14-day cooling-off period
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- Weight
- 0.5 kg
- Reference
- 441
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.
Product details
| Depiction: | Marka Tribal Face Mask (Wall Art / Wall Sculpture) |
| Material: | Hand-carved hardwood with hand-hammered brass fittings, iron rings, textiles and ritual cord |
| Origin / Culture: | West Africa (Mali) / Marka tribe |
| Dating: | Mid 20th Century (ca. 1950) – Fully antique ethnographic masterpiece |
| Dimensions & Weight: | H 31 × W 10 cm | Weight: 500 grams |
| Condition: | Exceptional, unrestored condition. Beautiful dark patina on the wood, untouched brasswork with natural oxidation, and completely intact ritual rings and bundle. 100% honest and nonsense-free. |
Each object is examined before it is offered: material, casting or carving technique, surface, and signs of age are compared with documented references. You will receive a certificate of authenticity and an official invoice detailing the period, material, and available provenance.
Fully insured worldwide shipping in museum-quality packaging. Returns are sent to our Dutch address and you have a 14-day cooling-off period.
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Pay securely at checkout with credit card, Klarna, Apple Pay, or Google Pay. The certificate of authenticity and the invoice are included in the price.
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How we investigated this image
For more than 30 years, we have been researching Asian art. Each object is inspected in advance with a microscope and UV light. Findings regarding material, style, and iconography form the basis for our assessment of dating, condition, and quality — and for the price.
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