Salampasu Mask From The Democratic Republic Of The Congo.

Very old but well-preserved wood and copper mask from the Salampasu tribe of South Central DRC.  According to art historian and field researcher Joseph Cornet, in his book A SURVEY OF ZAIRIAN ART, "recognized style elements of Salampasu wood masks include an extremely convex forehead shadowing a thin eyeline, a triangular nose, and a square mouth with pointed teeth painted white. The most beautiful are those covered with painted metal plates."  This mask is also crowned by a headdress of woven rattan balls and features a single ball attached to the chin, which represents a beard.  It is secured to the head by a net of raffia.  It is used for initiation into the warrior class of the Salampasu.  It measures 13 x 10 x 10 inches.   From the estate of a passionate and knowledgeable collector of African ethnographic art.