Salampasu fertility figure, DRC ex-Zaire - Lot 95

Salampasu fertility figure, DRC ex-Zaire This female figure, in a semi-flexed position, with her hands on either side of her abdomen, represents an ancestor. She is shown wearing an ethnic mask. This statuette was dedicated to fertility and fecundity rites. Desiccation cracks Semi-satin patina. 39 x 11 cm The Salampasu are a warrior tribe of the Lulua group, who 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 other initiates. ( Africa , Prestel)