Anthropomorphic face mask
D. R. Congo, Salampasu
not available anymore
Provenance
Monika Edelmaier, Berlin, GermanySize
H: 33 cm
H: 13.0 inch
Description
wood, brown patina, kaolin, rattan, grass fibre, coiffure of rattan bowls, min. dam., fine cracks, slight traces of abrasion, base;
the Salampasu have three mask types: the “idangani” masks of plaited bast, the copper sheet coated “mukinka” masks and present “kasangu” type. Each of them belongs to the warrior societies “mungongo” and “matambu”. They were used at initiation rites and on occasion of ritual festivities. The number of masks a secret society owned, indicated proven courage, experience of warfare and the number of “enemy heads” that had been taken.