- 109
Salampasu Mask, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Estimate
20,000 - 30,000 USD
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Description
- fiber, wood
- Height: 15 in (71 cm)
Provenance
James Willis, San Francisco
Allan Stone, New York, acquired from the above in 1984
Allan Stone, New York, acquired from the above in 1984
Condition
Very good condition for an object of this type and great age. Minor chipping and losses around back edge. Small breaks and losses in basketry headdress and fiber netting. Old surface abrasions on the proper right edge of the nose. Very small losses to tips of teeth. Marks, nicks, scratches, abrasions and small chips. Fine aged blackened patina with remains of white pigment. Reverse is worn, attesting to an exceptionally long period of use in situ.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
Catalogue Note
The Salampasu inhabit the region between the Kasai and Lulua rivers in present-day Kasai Province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo near the Angola border. Neyt (1981: 212) notes: "[...] the Salampasu are most famous for their remarkable wood and raphia masks." Barbier (1998: 274, text to cat. 218) continues: "Such masks [...] are worn in the initiation rites of men's associations. [...] Salampasu masquerades were held in wooden enclosures decorated with anthropomorphic figures carved in relief."
For an archival photograph of a related mask being worn in a Mfuku dance, see Neyt (ibid.: 217, fig. XI. 6). For a closely related mask in the Ethnologisches Museum, Staatliche Museen zu Berlin - Preussischer Kulturbesitz, published in conjunction with the exhibition Primitivism in 20th Century Art at the Museum of Modern Art, New York, see Rubin (1984: 171).
For an archival photograph of a related mask being worn in a Mfuku dance, see Neyt (ibid.: 217, fig. XI. 6). For a closely related mask in the Ethnologisches Museum, Staatliche Museen zu Berlin - Preussischer Kulturbesitz, published in conjunction with the exhibition Primitivism in 20th Century Art at the Museum of Modern Art, New York, see Rubin (1984: 171).