{"product_id":"african-mali-marka-janus-double-face-helmet-mask-with-metal-accents","title":"African Mali Marka Janus Double Face Helmet Mask with Metal Accents","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis striking \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAfrican Marka Janus double face helmet mask\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e from Mali is a wonderful West African ceremonial mask form, applied with metal accents, beaded tassel earrings, and textile panels at either side. The mask measures approximately \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e15 inches high\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e19 inches wide\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, and \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e5.5 inches deep\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, with a weight of approximately \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e4 pounds\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. The double-face Janus construction gives the piece a powerful visual presence, while the metal sheeting, beadwork, and textile elements reflect the layered ceremonial character of Marka mask traditions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Marka peoples of Mali are known for their distinctive angular mask style and their use of brass or copper sheeting to create texture, shine, and visual complexity. Masks of this type were used in \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eN’Tomo initiation ceremonies\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e for young boys during adolescent circumcision rites, as well as when circumcised men advanced from one grade to another. Along the Niger River, Marka masks were also used in ceremonies related to fishing and farming. These masks were often dressed in colorful cloth costumes and could appear in pairs, representing courtship or the relationship between men and women.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis mask is an impressive example of West African ceremonial art, combining sculptural form, metal ornament, textile presence, and ritual meaning. Its Janus double-face format makes it especially engaging as a display object, while its connection to initiation, agricultural, and riverine ceremony gives it meaningful cultural depth for collectors of African masks, tribal art, and Mali ceremonial material. Only available at \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTreasure Trove Auctions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Approximately 15 inches high, 19 inches wide, and 5.5 inches deep. Weight approximately 4 pounds.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"x_MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWhy Buy From Us?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul type=\"disc\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"x_MsoNormal\"\u003e5-star rated store trusted by collectors\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"x_MsoNormal\"\u003eFast, reliable shipping\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"x_MsoNormal\"\u003eExpertly handled collectibles, always packed with care\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"x_MsoNormal\"\u003eINTERNAL USE:\u003cb\u003e \u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Collectors Crossroads ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44165522817098,"sku":"IM0013","price":800.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0272\/8519\/2778\/files\/37769608.jpg?v=1788808281","url":"https:\/\/collectorscrossroads.com\/products\/african-mali-marka-janus-double-face-helmet-mask-with-metal-accents","provider":"Collectors Crossroads ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}