African Arts Gallery

A bulbous forehead topped with wicker balls, a wide nose and a toothed mouth in a pointed chin, characterize this Mukinka mask of the Salampasu. The face is lined with copper leaves. This ceremonial mask linked to the warrior society was exhibited during funerals in connection with the previous initiations of the deceased. He also participated in initiation rites. Some of these masks were so feared that their name alone scared away women and children.
Height on base: 51 cm.
Living by hunting and agriculture, a warrior people, theSalampasu form a tribe of the Lulua group and are settled between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Angola, east of the Kasai River. They are surrounded to the west and south by the Tschokwe and the Lunda, and to the north and east by the Kete and the Lwalwa. A hierarchy of masks, simple wooden kasangu masks and copper-covered mukinka masks, was associated with the society of mungongo warriors (pl. < i> 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 the other mask wearers. (Africa, Prestel)