Mask "kasangu" ·  R. D. Congo, Salampasu · ID: 3036458

Description

wood, slightly encrusted blackish brown patina, kaolin, rectangular mouth with two rows of pointed teeth, coiffure with rattan bowls, min. dam., small missing parts through insect caused damage;
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.