Lot 101D
Central Africa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Salampasu, ca. 20th century CE. A dramatic hand-carved wooden mask with a copper-covered face. The coiffure is composed of eighteen rattan balls with a woven netting hanging on the verso, and a braided beard terminates in a single suspended rattan ball. The open mouth is carved full of teeth, and the Salampasu style is present here with a large, emphasized forehead. Triangular eyes, a bulbous nose, and slender chin all comprise the intricate visage, with dozens of small copper panels covering the exterior. Rife with expert artistry, this is an expressive and finely-crafted example from Central Africa! Custom museum-quality display stand included. Size: 20" H (50.8 cm); 23" H (58.4 cm) on included custom stand.
The approximately 60,000 Salampasu people live on the Kasai River, near the border between the DRC and Angola; they are governed by territorial chiefs and have a reputation as fearless warriors. Masks like this one are marks of hierarchy, accessible to men after they have passed through a circumcision ritual. Earning the right to wear a mask means that a man has accrued a certain amount of wealth (through payments of livestock, drink, and other material goods) and has performed specific deeds. The copper sheets are a prerogative of leadership, and in some cases, are worn by members of the Ibuku warrior association who have killed in battle.
Provenance: private Eason Eige collection, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#131218
- Condition: Age-commensurate surface wear, tarnishing to brass elements, with small chips to peripheries, otherwise intact and very good.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Shipping
Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense
Artemis Fine Arts
You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 24.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.
View full terms and conditions
| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $19,999 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $49,999 | $2,000 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $25,000 |