The Marka (also known as Warka) live as traders in extensive regions south of the Niger River in Burkina Faso/Mali near the northern region of Bambara territory. Although they speak different languages, they share a number of institutions and are famous for their masks and puppets. Similar to Bambara Ntomo society masks, Marka masks are generally carved with a comb at the top of the head, but unlike Bambara maks they are often covered with metal sheeting. -Bacquart -Stepan/Hahner