Salampasu Plank Mask Congo

The Salampasu masks hold significant cultural and social importance within the warriors' society of the Salampasu people. These masks were used as a means of protection against invasions by outside kingdoms and were integral to the initiation process for boys entering the warriors' society. Initiation into the warriors' society involved a circumcision camp, where boys were initiated and then progressed through the ranks by gaining access to a hierarchy of masks. Ownership of a mask was earned through the performance of specific deeds and the payment of livestock, drink, and other material goods. Once a man obtained a mask, other mask owners would teach him the associated esoteric knowledge. Salampasu masks were crafted from various materials such as wood, crocheted raffia, and wood covered with sheets of copper. The masks used for initiation purposes were distinguished by their bulging foreheads, slanted eyes, triangular noses, and rectangular mouths with intimidating sets of teeth. Ad