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 an unusual hairstyle with a single lobe, surrounded by ridged circles. The mask is Janus-faced, with a diamond shaped face carved on either side of its head. It is carved in a Gola style, commonly associated with masks from Liberia. The mask was collected by C.D. Hotobah During, a well-known Krio Barrister who spent many years based in Freetown.

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Further Information

• Type: Masks, headdresses
• Object: Sowei Mask
• Materials: Wood
• Culture Group: Mende, Gola
• Dimensions: 395mm
• Production Date: Pre 1956
• Associated Places: Sierra Leone (Created and collected)
• Associated People: C.D. Hotobah During (Collector); A. Ridyard (Donor)
• Museum: World Museum Liverpool Sierra Leone Collection
• Accession Number: LIVCM.56.25.535

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