Sowei Mask

Carved wooden helmet mask used by the exclusively female Sande (Mende) or Bondo/Bundu (Temne) societies. The mask is traditionally worn by a high-ranking member of the society, the dancing sowei, known as the ndoli jowei among the Mende or a-Nowo among the Temne. Worn with a raffia costume, the masks typically have a polished black finish, with neck rings, elaborate coiffure and dignified facial expression. The mask is thought to represent conceptions of idealised womanhood. This example has a typical five-lobed hairstyle, with a carved relief comb on the left side, and a small piece of bone tied to the back. She is complete with raffia, attached through drilled holes along the base.

Related Videos

Further Information

  • Type: Masks, headdresses
  • Object: Sowei Mask
  • Materials: Wood, Vegetable, organic fibre, Bone, ivory, tooth
  • Culture Group: Other
  • Dimensions: 380mm [H] x 240mm [W] x 260mm [C]
  • Production Date: Pre 1948
  • Associated Places: Unknown
  • Associated People: William F. C. Ohly
  • Museum: British Museum
  • Accession Number: BM:Af.1948.2.5

Related Objects

Sowei Mask

Masks, headdresses

Sowei Mask

Masks, headdresses

Kabemba Mask

Masks, headdresses

Kabemba Mask

Masks, headdresses

Sowei Mask

Masks, headdresses