Sowei Mask

This is a carved wooden helmet mask, used by the exclusively female Sande (Mende) or Bondo/Bundu (Temne) societies. Such masks are 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 long segmented neck, and wears a lidded pot on its head.

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Further Information

  • Type: Masks, headdresses
  • Object: Sowei Mask
  • Materials: Wood
  • Culture Group: Mende, Temne
  • Dimensions: 489mm
  • Production Date: Pre 1958
  • Associated Places: Malen Chiefdom
  • Associated People: Saidu Kallay (Creator)
  • Museum: Sierra Leone National Museum
  • Accession Number: SLNM.1958.10.07

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