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 typical ridged hairstyle, with three lobes. There are scarification marks on either side of the eyes, and a ring of holes around the base for attaching raffia.

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Further Information

• Type: Masks, headdresses
• Object: Sowei Mask
• Materials: Wood
• Culture Group: Mende
• Dimensions: 400mm x 260mm x 280mm
• Production Date: Unknown
• Associated Places: Sierra Leone (Collected)
• Associated People: E. Barker (Donor)
• Museum: World Museum Liverpool Sierra Leone Collection
• Accession Number: LIVCM.1962.245.1a

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