Sala Mpasu Warrior, D. R. Congo

Sala Mpasu warriors are one of the most feared groups in all of D.R.Congo. To this day no one will live within a 30 miles radius of their villages, so powerful is their reputation of the past. To create this fearsome appearance they cover their bodies with a menacing mixture of charcoal and oil and construct tall dramatic raffia fibre headdresses topped with feathers. Every warrior prides himself in his individually designed headdress and carries a knife, either in his hand or between his teeth, to intimidate his enemies.