Sowei/Humoi Mask

This resembles a 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 Glasgow Museums catalogue, however, suggests is may be Humoi mask, or humoi ndoli , meaning dancing humoi . The mask has four diagonally grooved plaits and scarification on its cheeks. The Humoi was a masquerader representing high ranking men in Mende society.

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Further Information

• Type: Masks, headdresses
• Object: Sowei/Humoi Mask
• Materials: Wood
• Culture Group: Mende
• Dimensions: 265mm
• Production Date: Pre 1960
• Associated Places: Unknown
• Associated People: Guy Massie-Taylor (Collector)
• Museum: Glasgow Museums
• Accession Number: GLAMG:A.1985.13.as

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