The Salampasu live in rural villages on the frontier between the DRC and Angola. Their name means “hunter of locusts,” and they are regarded by their neighbors as fierce warriors. While the Salampasu are involved in hunting and farming, they are best known for their elaborate masks, which hold great significance in their sacred rituals as warriors. These masks are used to initiate boys into the society of warriors and are earned through performing specific deeds. The masks also act as guardians for the children and are believed to have spirits dwelling within them. There are no known believers or churches among the Salampasu.
“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” (1 Peter 2:9 ESV)
