African Arts Gallery

Salampasu masker (N° 20447)

A bulbous forehead crowned with wicker spheres, diamond-shaped eyes, a large nose and sharp teeth make up this Mukinka mask of the Salampasu. Copper rectangles line its surface. This ceremonial mask, linked to the warrior society, was displayed at funerals in connection with the deceased's previous initiations. It also participated in initiation rites. Some of these masks were so feared that their name alone made women and children run away.
Height including beard: 68 cm. Living of hunting and agriculture, warlike people, the Salampasu form a tribe of the Lulua group and are installed between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Angola, in the East of the Kasaï river. They are surrounded to the west and south by the Tschokwe and Lunda, and to the north and east by the Kete and Lwalwa. A hierarchy of masks, simple wooden masks kasangu and copper-covered masks mukinka, was associated with the warrior society mungongo (pl. bangongo ). The wearing of these masks depended on a large contribution of livestock, drink, or other material goods from the aspirant who was initiated into esoteric knowledge from other mask wearers. (Africa, Prestel)