Kasangu Salampasu Mask, Dr Congo

Materials: wood, rope Kasangu mask from the Ibuku society.

The forehead is rounded, the facial expression incisive, the teeth are pointed. Before obtaining the right to wear this tribal mask, the Salampasu warrior must kill an enemy in secret or in combat. The dance costume is made of knotted raffia rope, strips of fibers and skins that form a skirt. At the waist, the wearer of the mask proudly displays a sword with a monkey tail attached for each man killed. The life of a man among the Salampasu was punctuated by initiations into various brotherhoods that contributed to his prestige and social ascension. The masks intervene in various ceremonies of life crises (from birth to death), they entertain and are active in the resolution of crises. They also symbolize rank and title within the society and the goal is to acquire as many masks as possible to wear them on various occasions. Sold with base.

Mask = 30 cm
With base = 45 cm