Gonde Mask

A gonde, or gondei, Mask, painted with white and orange. The gonde is an entertainment masker that appears together with the dignified ndoli jowei , or dancing Sowei, of the Sande society. It offers a parody of the latter by its own dishevelled appearance and undignified behaviour. The mask is often an old Sowei mask that is too decayed or damaged to be used for its original purpose. Unlike the ndoli jowei, little attempt is made to conceal the person wearing the mask.

Further Information

  • Type: Masks, headdresses
  • Object: Gonde Mask
  • Materials: Wood, Metal
  • Culture Group: Mende, Kisi
  • Dimensions: 210mm [H] x 260mm x 194mm
  • Production Date: Pre 1960
  • Associated Places: Kenema District (Collected)
  • Associated People: Guy Massie-Taylor (Collector)
  • Museum: Glasgow Museums
  • Accession Number: GLAMG:A.1985.13.aq

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