Mask - Salampasu - DR Congo (No reserve price)

05
days
11
hours
44
minutes
02
seconds
Starting bid
€ 1
No reserve price
Julien Gauthier
Expert
Selected by Julien Gauthier

A decade of experience in historical arms, armour, and African art.

Estimate  € 330 - € 380
No bids placed

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Description from the seller

The masks of the Salampasu warriors, originating from the border region between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Angola, stand out for their striking aesthetics and protective function. Carved from hard wood, these masks are characterized by angular features, globular eyes, and a mouth often prominent, evoking an expression that is both threatening and mysterious. Their surface, covered with red, white, or black pigments, reinforces their intimidating and sacred aspect.
Used during rituals preparing for war or initiations, these masks embody war spirits charged with granting strength and invulnerability to fighters. Their wear is reserved for members of secret societies, symbolizing the connection between the world of the living and that of the ancestors, while affirming the identity and resilience of the Salampasu people. Today, these masks bear witness to the cultural richness and resilience of a community marked by its warrior history.

Presentation of our expertise house

Based in Belgium, our expertise and sales house specializes in African and ethnographic art. A leading seller on Catawiki for more than 8 years, we enjoy a solid reputation and a history of several hundred sales with a nearly 100% satisfaction rate.

We regularly support liquidations, successions, and dispersals of collections, in collaboration with individuals and families in Belgium and neighboring countries. Our approach is rigorous, transparent, and accessible, with many sales offered without a reserve price.

Some pieces that have passed through our hands have joined international private collections and, for some, museum institutions.

Shipping guaranteed within 24 hours, with careful packing, insurance, and tracking.
Contact 7 days a week: we remain available for any questions or requests for additional information."} }{ /* ensure valid json only one object */ } incorrect formatting but final contains only object. }})|} Wait ensure only one JSON object. I'll provide clean. }|} Hmm.``` Ensure only one object with translated_text.``` Let's finalize. }** Note: remove stray. } } Oops finalize. We'll output just JSON.```

The masks of the Salampasu warriors, originating from the border region between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Angola, stand out for their striking aesthetics and protective function. Carved from hard wood, these masks are characterized by angular features, globular eyes, and a mouth often prominent, evoking an expression that is both threatening and mysterious. Their surface, covered with red, white, or black pigments, reinforces their intimidating and sacred aspect.
Used during rituals preparing for war or initiations, these masks embody war spirits charged with granting strength and invulnerability to fighters. Their wear is reserved for members of secret societies, symbolizing the connection between the world of the living and that of the ancestors, while affirming the identity and resilience of the Salampasu people. Today, these masks bear witness to the cultural richness and resilience of a community marked by its warrior history.

Presentation of our expertise house

Based in Belgium, our expertise and sales house specializes in African and ethnographic art. A leading seller on Catawiki for more than 8 years, we enjoy a solid reputation and a history of several hundred sales with a nearly 100% satisfaction rate.

We regularly support liquidations, successions, and dispersals of collections, in collaboration with individuals and families in Belgium and neighboring countries. Our approach is rigorous, transparent, and accessible, with many sales offered without a reserve price.

Some pieces that have passed through our hands have joined international private collections and, for some, museum institutions.

Shipping guaranteed within 24 hours, with careful packing, insurance, and tracking.
Contact 7 days a week: we remain available for any questions or requests for additional information."} }{ /* ensure valid json only one object */ } incorrect formatting but final contains only object. }})|} Wait ensure only one JSON object. I'll provide clean. }|} Hmm.``` Ensure only one object with translated_text.``` Let's finalize. }** Note: remove stray. } } Oops finalize. We'll output just JSON.```

Details

Indigenous object name
Mask
Ethnic group/ culture
Salampasu
Country of Origin
DR Congo
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Excellent condition
Height
32 cm
Width
1 cm
Depth
1 cm
Weight
1 g
Provenance
Private collection
BelgiumVerified
1231
Objects sold
96.23%
Private

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