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 has a typical five-lobed hairstyle, with geometric panels. She is complete with black-dyed raffia. The mask was accessioned along with the tunic [BM:Af.1901.722.10.b] and leggings [BM:Af.1901.722.10.c and d - now lost] that made up the masquerade costume.

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Further Information

• Type: Masks, headdresses
• Object: Sowei Mask
• Materials: Wood, Vegetable, organic fibre
• Culture Group: Other
• Dimensions: 400mm [H] x 150mm [W]x 240mm [C]
• Production Date: Pre 1901
• Associated Places: Unknown
• Associated People: Thomas Joshua Alldridge (Collector)
• Museum: British Museum
• Accession Number: BM:Af.1901.722.10.a

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