SALAMPASU, Democratic Republic of Congo. Wood, copper, vegetable fibres. The Salampasu are a people of warriors, farmers and hunters who live in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Angola. The masks are organised according to a certain hierarchy, and aspirants must demonstrate their involvement in the village and be initiated into the rite by members of the "Mungango" society. Powerful 'Mukinka' initiation mask associated with the secret 'Mungango' warrior society. It depicts a strong human face covered in small copper plates, with a rounded forehead dominating the rest of the face and an open mouth revealing sharp teeth enhanced with kaolin. The hair is composed of assembled rattan balls and a ball made of organic material is joined to the chin by a fibre braid. H. 32 cm.