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African & Tribal Art :
Marka : Marka Wooden Mask Plaited with Brass Sheets
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Marka Wooden Mask Plaited with Brass Sheets - PF.4408
Origin: Central Mali
Circa: 19
th
Century AD
to 20
th
Century AD
Dimensions:
8.75" (22.2cm) high
x 6.25" (15.9cm) wide
Collection: African
Style: Marka
Medium: Wood and Mixed Media
$4,000.00
Location: United States
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| Description |
When an object is intended for a functional
purpose, yet created with skill and ingenuity,
that object is elevated to a work of art. It then
acquires a life of its own. The craftsmanship in
the making of this mask is clearly felt in the
expert working of the brass on the face, and
charming details such as tassels hanging from
the ears, and the tiny studs representing
tattooing or scarification. The back of the head is
covered in linen, adding even more mystery to
the wearer- who, given the size of the mask,
may have been a child.
The mask plays an important role in African
culture, both as representative of humans and
animals in the physical world, and also as
symbolic representations of divinities. They may
be seen as a “medium” between the real and
supernatural. Even though it was believed an
object might not always be attributable to the
artist alone, since there may be intervention
from spirits in its creation - the expressiveness
of the artist's talent is clearly seen in this
delightful mask.
- (PF.4408)
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