Photographic Print

Black and white photographic print showing a ndolo jowei, or dancing sowei , surrounded by a crowd of women and a few children. The masked dancer wears a helmet mask, trousers and a dyed black raffia cape. Some houses are visible in the background. Written in pencil on the back of the image is Fig. 48, p. 142 / Bundu Devil with attendant Digbas . Published as Figure 48 in T. J. Alldridge, 1901, The Sherbro and Its Hinterland (London: Macmillan). Alldridge writes: After leaving the Bundu bush [i.e. after initiation] the girl if she likes can attain distinction in the higher degrees of Bunduism, of which there are three grades: Digba, the lowest or first degree. Normeh, the Bundu devil or second degree, and Soweh, the head woman, third degree. The Bundu devil is in the second degree of the medicine. If the girl wishes she can simply become a Digba; she then has the great privilege of holding the mat before the devil at any function (pp.141-42).

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Further Information

  • Type: Photographs
  • Object: Photographic Print
  • Materials: Paper
  • Culture Group: Mende
  • Dimensions: 163mm x 120mm
  • Production Date: 1890-1900
  • Associated Places: Unknown
  • Associated People: Thomas Joshua Alldridge (Photographer)
  • Museum: Brighton Museum and Art Gallery
  • Accession Number: BMAG:WA900282

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