Salampasu mask, DRC ex Zaire - Lot 112

Salampasu mask, DRC ex Zaire This unusual African mask stands out from other Salampasu masks with its bulbous forehead. The face is long, with wide-set eyes, sunken cheeks, a blunt nose in the center and a wide, toothed mouth. Oiled black patina, underlying light wood. Desiccation cracks and abrasions 31 x 17 cm Height on base: 48 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 the other mask wearers. ( Africa , Prestel)