Sowei Mask

This resembles 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 domed shape, and a crease running across the eyes; its features are carved in relatively low relief. The hairstyle is represented by rows of small circular bumps, and surmounted by a pyramid shaped object, possibly representing a sebe/sebbeh , or amulet. It is complete with its raffia skirt. The mask was collected by Alfred C. Williams, a Krio engineer and trader, based in Freetown.

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Further Information

• Type: Masks, headdresses
• Object: Sowei Mask
• Materials: Wood, Vegetable, organic fibre
• Culture Group: Mende
• Dimensions: 395mm x 245mm x 235mm
• Production Date: about 1909
• Associated Places: Sierra Leone (Created and collected)
• Associated People: Alfred C. Williams (Collector); A. Ridyard (Donor
• Museum: World Museum Liverpool Sierra Leone Collection
• Accession Number: LIVCM.12.9.10.12

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