The Marka are neighbours of the larger tribe of the Bambara (or Bamana) in Mali. The art of the Marka is very similar to that of the Bambara. An instance of this is the extremely elongated shape characterising their depiction of faces. However, the Marka also have a special additional feature: they like to decorate and cover their masks, besides their other artfully manufactured objects, with brass sheet metal – just like the present marionette head. Theatrical performances with marionettes are as popular among the Marka as they are for the Bambara (as well as the Bozo, Malinke and other tribes in Mali).
The present head was part of one such marionette of the Marka: carved from a single piece of hard, heavy wood, with two horns, and dyed black. In the typical Marka style: with a long, straight nose, protruding mouth and chin, as well as with metal pendants at the temples, adorned with red fabric tassels. The obvious ‘Marka feature’ lies, however, in the rich cover of brass sheet metal chased in fine patterns of small dots.
An interesting, perfectly crafted object with good, old usage patina. Small, age-related damage: one horn broken (old crack), the pendant on the left temple as well as some decorative nails on the forehead are missing.
First half of the 20th century; H: 32 cm. (ME)

Provenance: German Private Collection.

Lit.: 'Un art de la fete au Mali' by Amaelle Favreau, fig. 22, 141.