This is the rating and price for 20Th C. African Salampasu Wood, Brass, & Rattan Mask

Description : 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
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Estimate (low-high) : 900 USD-1350 USD It's free to register now to view!

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