Salampasu Kasangu mask, DRC - Lot 83

Salampasu Kasangu mask, DRC An African ceremonial mask linked to warrior society and initiation rites, it was also displayed at funerals, in connection with the deceased's previous initiations, and in many cases for a fee. The power of certain masks is so feared that their name alone can cause women and children to flee. These masks are distinguished by their bulbous foreheads, broad noses and mouths revealing carved teeth. Grayish-brown velvety patina, locally abraded 40 x 20 cm Sold without base A warrior people who live by hunting and farming, the Salampasu form a tribe of the Lulua group and live between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Angola, east of the Kasai River. They are surrounded by the Tschokwe and Lunda to the west and south, and the Kete and Lwalwa to the north and east. A hierarchy of masks - simple kasangu wooden masks and mukinka copper-covered masks - was associated with the mungongo (pl. bangongo ) warrior society. Wearing these masks depended on a large contribution of livestock, drink or other material goods from the aspirant, who was initiated into esoteric knowledge by the other mask wearers. ( Africa , Prestel)