Salampasu Mask, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Martin Coppens (1908-1986), Eindhoven
Justin Barthels, Maastricht, acquired from the above
Louis Nierijnck, Maastricht, acquired from the above
Andrew J. Berz, San Francisco, acquired from the above

Martin Coppens, Negro Sculpture: A Photographic Approach, Eindhoven, 1975, no. 284

Very good condition for an object of this type and age. Minor marks, nicks, scratches, abrasions, dents, and small cracks in metal throughout consistent with age and use. Loss to middle upper tooth. Top proper right corner of mask with vertical glued break. Chipping around ears and edges. Remnant of string through hole at proper left edge. Wood on reverse with fine aged medium brown patina. Remains of red pigment on top edge. Metal tarnished from age.
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.

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. The most important of these masks have metal fittings (copper plating attached by brass nails)."  Barbier (1998: 274, text to cat 218) continues: "Such masks [...] are worn in the initiation rites of men's associations.  Those adorned with copper plates were formerly worn in ceremonies celebrating brave warriors.  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).