Salampasu Ibuku Warrior Society Mask, Based

Masks that were meant to command fear and respect do not apologize for it.

The Salampasu live along the border of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Angola. Their graded men’s societies, tied to warfare and initiation, used masks like this, carved in the 20th century. The face is sheathed in small, overlapping copper tiles that catch the light, with slit eyes, a jutting nose and an open mouth of sharp triangular teeth. A crest of woven rattan knobs crowns the head. A heavy raffia beard falls below, trailing cords that end in woven balls.

Eighteen inches on a stand. Eye contact is optional. Good luck.