Sowei Trousers

A pair of wide trousers, worn as part of the costume of the ndoli jowei , or dancing sowei , in the Bundu/Sande society. The trousers are made out of strips of blue and brown cloth, and are complete with feet. They also tuck at the knee s: probably for greater movement. The remaining parts of the costume include a the sowei mask and a thick fringe of raffia covering the body. In contrast to the wooden mask, the rest of the costume of the ndoli jowei is rarely found in museum collections, making this an important item.

Related Videos

Further Information

• Type: Costume, dress
• Object: Sowei Trousers
• Materials: Textile
• Culture Group: Mende
• Dimensions: 1200mm [L] x 710mm [W]``
• Production Date: Pre 1899
• Associated Places: Unknown
• Associated People: Thomas Joshua Alldridge (Collector)
• Museum: Brighton Museum and Art Gallery
• Accession Number: BMAG:R3483/127a

Related Objects