Sowei Mask
A 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 strip of varnished white metal with a cross motif running along the hair line. The hairstyle is topped by two carved birds.
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Further Information
- Type: Masks, headdresses
- Object: Sowei Mask
- Materials: Wood, Metal
- Culture Group: Other
- Dimensions: 350mm x 235mm x 195mm
- Production Date: Pre 1960
- Associated Places: Gaura Chiefdom (Collected)
- Associated People: Guy Massie-Taylor (Collector)
- Museum: Glasgow Museums
- Accession Number: GLAMG:A.1985.13.g
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