Lot 172A
**First Time At Auction**
West Africa, Mali, Segou region, Bamana / Marka (Warka) people, ca. mid-20th century CE. A spectacular antelope mask carved from wood then covered with copper-iron alloy sheets. The sheets are held in place with iron nails and rolled tubes of brass with red yarn tassel dangle in front of the eyes. There are no eye slits for seeing through and the mask was probably intended for wearing on the forehead for a puppet performance. The wearer could acquire the attributes of speed and agility of the antelope, and the antelope was believed to have taught human ancestors how to farm. Size: 24" L x 4.25" W x 17" H (61 cm x 10.8 cm x 43.2 cm); 19" H (48.3 cm) on included custom stand.
The Marka people are the descendants of the Soninke people, whose settlements date from ca. 750 CE in Ghana; conflicts with the Berbers led to 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 and of their neighbors, the Bamana. Antelope imagery in Bamana lore is associated with the introduction of agriculture, the male form, and the sun that gives life. Perhaps the most famous style of Bamana art, the Ci Wara mask, depicts a divine being that is half human and half antelope. This being taught humanity how to cultivate the land and was honored by the Bamana ever after. The animal depicted here is likely the roan antelope, who inhabits the savanna and is found throughout much of Africa.
Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-Marianne Spiegel estate, Park Avenue, New York, USA, acquired in the 1980s
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#177786
- Condition: Stable pressure fissures on horns and minor chips. Patina and dark toning on brass, but nice golden hues. Great condition.
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