Mask, Salampasu; D.R.C. Congo; H. 10"
Wood, rattan, pigment, sacrificial material, raffia
fiber
Masks of the Salampasu are used in
a hierarchical initiatory context related to the
upward mobility of successful hunters and warriors
in traditional Salampasu society. The first mask,
conceived in the classic Salampasu style, features
the bulging forehead, downward thrusting face, coif
of rattan balls, and pointed aggressive teeth that
have become stylistic characteristics. The mask
displays a great deal of obvious use, and the surface
is encrusted with an impressive coating of sacrificial
material. The second mask, depicting a ram, is far
more esoteric. Though other examples exist, they
are quite rare, and little is known about the exact
use of this old mask. It should be pointed out that
many groups inhabiting the savannah of D.R.C. Congo
make masks with ram-like features, though in most
cases they are composites of humans with rams' horns.
