Salampasu Polychrome Bamboo Panel – DR Congo (ex Zaire) – 1970s (Sans prix de réserve)






Titulaire d'un diplôme de troisième cycle en études africaines et 15 ans d'expérience en art africain.
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Panneau en bambou polychrome Salampasu – RD Congo (anciennement Zaïre) – années 1970; origine peuple Salampasu, République démocratique du Congo (ancien Zaïre), bon état.
Description fournie par le vendeur
Salampasu Polychrome Bamboo Panel – DR Congo (ex Zaire) – 1970s
HIGHLIGHTS
• Large Salampasu polychrome panel with strong geometric composition.
• Bamboo construction (painted/slipped), not carved.
• Documented use: panels of this type enclosed initiation/circumcision camps.
• Powerful, graphic presence; beautiful surface wear and age.
DETAILS
• Origin: Salampasu people
• Region/Country: Democratic Republic of the Congo (former Zaire)
• Materials: Bamboo (polychrome), vegetal bindings / cordage
• Period: 1970s
• Dimensions: 86 × 63 cm
INTRODUCTION
A striking Salampasu polychrome panel made of bamboo slats assembled into a large rectangular screen and painted with bold geometric motifs.
CONTEXT / FUNCTION
The Salampasu live between the Lulua and Lueta rivers in south-central DR Congo and are historically known for strict initiation cycles. During circumcision camps—where young men could be secluded for months—temporary enclosures were formed using polychrome bamboo panels decorated with geometric designs. Beyond their practical role as screens, these panels created a charged visual boundary around the ritual space.
AESTHETIC / TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION
This example is composed of bamboo elements arranged in a rhythmic grid and painted in contrasting tones to build a dynamic, angular pattern. The result is highly graphic and contemporary in feel, while remaining deeply rooted in a functional, ritual context. The surface shows attractive age and use, with natural wear that adds depth and character to the polychromy.
CONDITION
Overall: good vintage condition, with wear consistent with age and use.
• Expected abrasions, paint losses and surface irregularities (see photos).
• Structure remains coherent and displayable.
INCLUDED
No stand included.
NOTE
This panel is often described as “carved” in the market, but it is a painted/assembled bamboo panel (not a carved wood relief).
À propos du vendeur
Salampasu Polychrome Bamboo Panel – DR Congo (ex Zaire) – 1970s
HIGHLIGHTS
• Large Salampasu polychrome panel with strong geometric composition.
• Bamboo construction (painted/slipped), not carved.
• Documented use: panels of this type enclosed initiation/circumcision camps.
• Powerful, graphic presence; beautiful surface wear and age.
DETAILS
• Origin: Salampasu people
• Region/Country: Democratic Republic of the Congo (former Zaire)
• Materials: Bamboo (polychrome), vegetal bindings / cordage
• Period: 1970s
• Dimensions: 86 × 63 cm
INTRODUCTION
A striking Salampasu polychrome panel made of bamboo slats assembled into a large rectangular screen and painted with bold geometric motifs.
CONTEXT / FUNCTION
The Salampasu live between the Lulua and Lueta rivers in south-central DR Congo and are historically known for strict initiation cycles. During circumcision camps—where young men could be secluded for months—temporary enclosures were formed using polychrome bamboo panels decorated with geometric designs. Beyond their practical role as screens, these panels created a charged visual boundary around the ritual space.
AESTHETIC / TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION
This example is composed of bamboo elements arranged in a rhythmic grid and painted in contrasting tones to build a dynamic, angular pattern. The result is highly graphic and contemporary in feel, while remaining deeply rooted in a functional, ritual context. The surface shows attractive age and use, with natural wear that adds depth and character to the polychromy.
CONDITION
Overall: good vintage condition, with wear consistent with age and use.
• Expected abrasions, paint losses and surface irregularities (see photos).
• Structure remains coherent and displayable.
INCLUDED
No stand included.
NOTE
This panel is often described as “carved” in the market, but it is a painted/assembled bamboo panel (not a carved wood relief).
