Masque "mukinka" ·  R. D. Congo, Salampasu · ID: 3044048

Description

wood, copper sheet, plant fibre, base

Traditionally, masks of the Salampasu belong to a broad range of male societies and associated initiation sub-societies.

Most often masks are related to the so-called warriors society “mu(n)gongo”, which served mainly to protect the Salampasu against invasions from rival clans or other external forces.

To become a member of “mu(n)gongo”, Salampasu boys must be circumcised and pass through its various initiation sub-societies. Each initiation sub-society has an associated mask type which the boys gain access to upon completing the initiation level and paying an initiation fee.