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The Salampasu people live in Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo
(formerly Zaire). They are grouped in a loose confederation of villages headed
by chiefs. The Salampasu have a highly stratified society with initiation
ceremonies playing vital roles in maintaining the social system. The Salampasu
live mostly from hunting, but the women do some farming.
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The major reason for mask making among the Salampasu was the Mungongo (Warrior)
Society, a male-only organization. Members rose through the ranks of the
Mungongo by purchasing a series of masks that were ranked in a hierarchy of
importance. Earning the right to acquire and wear a mask involved performing
specific deeds (not recorded) plus large payments of livestock, drink, and other
material goods to the members of the society. Possessing many masks indicated
wealth and knowledge (since a new owner purchased the esoteric knowledge
associated with a particular mask).
Salampasu mask
Mukinka
Mask
Democratic Republic of the Congo (formerly Zaire)
Wood, copper, split cane, twine and traces
of pigment
Partial gift of Owen D. Mort, Jr. for the Owen D. Mort, Jr. Collection of
African Art, with additional funds from the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles
Foundation
Museum # 1985.052.941
Three categories of masks were used for the various ceremonies of the Mungongo
Society symbolizing the three levels of the society: hunters, warriors, and the
chief. Fiber masks with cone-shaped headdresses represented the hunters. Next in
importance came the painted wood masks called Kasangu representing the warriors.
The Mukinka is the most important since it represented the chief.
The sharp pointed teeth on the mask reflect the custom of filing the teeth that
was part of the initiation process for both boys and girls. It was designed to
show their strength and discipline.
with thanks to the UMFA museum of fine arts in Utah
http://www.umfa.utah.edu/ | |
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