Sowei Mask
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 hairstyle drawn into four bunches around the head.
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Further Information
- Type: Masks, headdresses
- Object: Sowei Mask
- Materials: Wood
- Culture Group: Mende
- Dimensions: 457mm [H]
- Production Date: Pre 1961
- Associated Places: Mabere, Moyamba District (Place collected)
- Associated People: Abu Bakarr Sesay, Freetown (Collector)
- Museum: Sierra Leone National Museum
- Accession Number: SLNM.1961.19.02
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