Markha Antelope Female Mask Mali/burkina Faso Ntomo Koré Bambara Early 20th Early Arts

EARLY ARTS AFRICAN ARTS SCULPTURE WEST AFRICA MALI/BURKINA FASO MARKHA PEOPLE EARLY 20TH CENTURY ANTELOPE FEMALE MASK Female mask used during ritual ceremonies, by the Markha of Mali/Burkina Faso, a Muslim people who ended up adopting the customs of their Bambara neighbors . The eyes, nose, mouth and profile are typical and easily recognizable. Female representation used during rituals of passage, rituals for fishing or agriculture or even circumcisions, along the Niger River; rituals similar to those of the Ntomo societies of the Bambaras, Koré. Symbolic of the antelope which teaches men how to cultivate the land in Markha mythology. Traces of black paint/scratches as on the animal's coat. Accidents to the horns. Hardwood. Sold without the presentation support. Good condition/used condition (marks, losses, accidents; see descriptive photos). Weight: 439 grams.