This is the rating and price for Early 20Th C. African Marka Wood, Copper, & Hair Mask

Description : Africa, Mali, Marka (Warka) peoples, ca. early to mid 20th century CE. A striking triangular mask atop an ovoid face cover, hand-carved from a single piece of lightweight wood. The mask displays abstract anthropomorphic features, such as a lengthy nose, wide brow, and parted mouth, as well as characteristically-zoomorphic qualities including a pair of perky ears, a dramatically-elongated face, and two stylized horns extending upwards from the brow line. Tufts of wavy blonde hair, perhaps equine, project from either end of the horns while textile fringe accents the terminals of the thin, folded copper strips which frame the face. Several sheets of hammered copper embellish the visage while displaying a myriad of linear, crosshatch, and spotted motifs, with diagonal and triangular designs carved into the brow of the wearable wooden portion. With its lustrous brown patina and exceptional craftsmanship, this is truly a splendid work of art! Size: 24 H (61 cm). The Marka people are the descendants of the Soninke people, whose settlements date from ca. 750 CE in Ghana. Conflicts between the Marka peoples and the Berbers led to the Marka's dispersal throughout the region, and today they are famous for their masks and puppets. This piece has some of the classic traits of the Marka -- metal sheeting and colorful details which are used to disguise the identity of the wearer -- that distinguish their masks from those of their neighbors, the Bambara. Provenance: private Eason Eige collection, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience. #131193
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