Marka

Also known as Warka, they live north of the Bambara or Bamana to those who are related even though they speak a different language. They are organized into well-structured masked societies that possess their own secret language, transmitted to young people during initiation. The central figure of their worship is Do Divinity of nature to which they render an elaborate cult. Their masks wear two horns and resemble those of the N’tomo’s bambara society but are covered with metal plates. Its origin dates back to the dismemberment of the former empire of Ghana. Installed in Mali, at the fall of this vast empire their ancestors, in the century XVThey take refuge in what is now Burkina Faso, forming various groups, the Marka Soninké in Mali and the Marka Dafing in Burkina. Belonging to the group I sent both groups are closely related to the Bambara or Bamana, which have a strong implantation in West Africa. In Senegal they are named Sarakolé. Most of its rites are related to fisheries and agriculture. Do is a jungle spirit that constitutes the center of the religious system of Marka society. Do is the most invoked spirit and one who has a more elaborate cult. The masks give shape and expression to this cult. The Marka are organized into societies of perfectly structured and hierarchical masks. An initiatory language allows communication among the members of these societies, sheltered from the curiosity of the profane. The markas located north of the Bambara territory are also called warka. They share with the Bambara a large number of institutions. From an artistic point of view they are known for their masks and puppets.