Sowei Mask

This is a representation of a sowei mask, though it is likely to have been made for sale, rather than for use. It shows no signs of use and is too narrow to be worn. It is carved in a style that has been attributed to Gola people on the Sierra Leone-Liberia border; there are many examples of these masks in European museums. This mask has a singular lobed hairstyle and is undyed.

Related Videos

Further Information

• Type: Masks, headdresses
• Object: Sowei Mask
• Materials: Wood
• Culture Group: Gola
• Dimensions: 400mm [H] x 200mm [W] x 200mm [C]
• Production Date: Pre 1953
• Associated Places: Unknown
• Associated People: G. Smyly; P. Crampton Smyly
• Museum: British Museum
• Accession Number: BM:Af.1953.25.2

Related Objects