This mask was created in the style of the Salmpasu people of DRC. The mask has typical Salampasu features, with an open mouth expression and exposed teeth. It has been covered with sheet metal and had vegetable fiber attached to the top and hanging from the bottom of the piece. It measures 17 inches tall, 30 inches including the hanging rope and weighs 4 pounds. There is some minor scrapes and scuffs throughout – please inspect photos. Stand is not included.
Sale!
Metal Plated Salampasu Mask 30″ with Raffia – DR Congo – African Tribal Art
Original price was: $195.00.$97.50Current price is: $97.50.
1 in stock
| Type of Object | Face Mask |
|---|---|
| Country of Origin | DR Congo |
| Ethnicity | Salampasu |
| Material | wood, pigment, metal, vegetable fiber, fabric, feathers |
| Approximate Age | Unknown |
| Height (Inches) | 17" mask | 30" with accoutrements |
| Width (Inches) | 7" |
| Depth (Inches) | 5.5" |
| Weight (Pounds) | 4 lbs |
| Overall Condition | fair with minor imperfections – see photos |
Tribe Information
About the Salampasu People
“The 60,000 Salampasu people live on the frontier between the Democratic Republic of Congo (formerly Zaire) and Angola. They maintain strong commercial and cultural relations with their southern neighbours, the Tschokwe (Chokwe) and the Lunda, to whom they pay tribute. The Salampasu are ultimately governed by a few high-ranking chiefs who are, in turn, assisted by territorial chiefs, who supervise village chiefs. This hierarchical power structure is counterbalanced by a warriors’ society. The Salampasu live mostly from hunting, but the women do some farming.”
Source:
Baquart, Jean-Baptiste. The Tribal Arts of Africa. New York: Thames and Hudson Inc. 1998. Print.
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Additional Information
About Salampasu Masks
Salampasu masks are famous and are characterized by a bulging forehead, slanted eyes, a triangular nose and rectangular mouth displaying filed teeth. The age of the masks can be determined by their stylistic variations. The oldest type has keloids and an encrusted red patina; a later style does not have scarifications while the most recent type characteristically has simplified features and is made of thicker wood. Sometimes the masks were covered with copper plate and had vegetable fiber bells attached to the chin. They were used for initiation ceremonies related to the warriors’ society.
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