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 is particularly unusual as the mask is wearing a top-hat; European top hats became a symbols of prestige among elites in the late 19th century Sierra Leone. She is complete with a black-dyed raffia fringe. This item was acquired at the Colonial and Indian Exhibition in London, 1886.

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Further Information

  • Type: Masks, headdresses
  • Object: Sowei Mask
  • Materials: Wood, Vegetable, organic fibre
  • Culture Group: Other
  • Dimensions: 430mm [H] x 250mm [W] x 300mm [C]
  • Production Date: Pre 1886
  • Associated Places: Sherbro
  • Associated People: Thomas Joshua Alldridge (Collector)
  • Museum: British Museum
  • Accession Number: BM:Af.1886.1126.1

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