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In Mali and Burkina Faso, the Marka people, whose settlement region extends from the north of the Bambara territory to the Senegalese border, live principally from agriculture with some subsidiary cattle farming.
The Marka are famous for their masks and puppets. Marka masks are often carved with horns, comb or a crest on top of the head. The depiction of an antelope head is a commonly used motif in Marka masks, as according to their mythology the antelope taught men how to farm.
Along the Niger River, the Marka use the masks in ceremonies relating to farming and fishing to ensure a bountiful harvest or successful hunt. Masks often have elongated features and include a long nose, protruding mouth, eyes shadowed by a domed-shape forehead and fibre tassels on the ears. Brass with geometric patterns is also commonly used to adorn Marka masks.
