MARKA - Mali & Burkina Faso

The Marka tribe is a subgroup of the 'Mande' tribe and their masks reflect a strong influence of the 'Bambara' tribe. The most noticeable difference between the masks of the two tribes is the Marka tribe uses metal sheeting, usually copper, on parts of their carvings.

Fertility played an important part in African Agricultural ceremonies. They were based on the idea that through the correct rituals, man could raise up the vital forces dwelling in a mask by gaining the blessing of his ancestor in order to help fertility and therefore achieve protection and primary security.

The Agricultural Festivities the Africans celebrated were performed at different stages of the crop cycle. This crop cycle started with clearing of the land, then the planting, the reaping of the fruits, the harvest, then finally the filling of the food stores.

The concept of these festivals was the sacredness of the soil, which belonged to the ancestors, or the 'masters of the soil.' A successful harvest therefore depended on the thanksgiving of the ancestors or sometimes upon the good will of the goddess of the earth.