Copper “Mulandwa” Mask
Salampasu people, DR Congo, 1st half 20th c.
Wood, copper, fiber
13.5” h x 11” w x 5.5” d. (34.3 x 27.9 x 14 cm)
Price: $3,500
The Salampasu produced two types of masks, viz., mufuampo (raffia masks) and mulandwa (wood masks). Both varieties are typically characterized by protuberant foreheads, sunken eyes, flat noses, sharp filed teeth, and pointed chins. Mulandwa masks were fashioned from wood and painted chiefly with hues of white and black, though some mulandwa are polychrome (white, black, and red) or monochrome (usually brown). A distinct variety of mulandwa dating from the late 19th century, of which the mask at hand is an example, is plated or banded with native copper.
