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 likely to have been carved for sale, rather than use.

Related Videos

Further Information

  • Type: Masks, headdresses
  • Object: Sowei Mask
  • Materials: Wood
  • Culture Group: Mende
  • Dimensions: 457.2mm [H]
  • Production Date: Pre 1975
  • Associated Places: Poteru
  • Associated People: Mr Vandi Koroma, Poteru (Trader)
  • Museum: Sierra Leone National Museum
  • Accession Number: SLNM.1975.01.02

Related Objects

Sowei Mask

Masks, headdresses

Sowei Mask

Masks, headdresses

Fairy Mask

Masks, headdresses

Gongoli Mask

Masks, headdresses

Gonde Mask

Masks, headdresses