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 is unusual as it has two smaller faces on either side of the head. It is surmounted by a cooking pot, raised on three legs.

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Further Information

• Type: Masks, headdresses
• Object: Sowei Mask
• Materials: Wood
• Culture Group: Sherbro, Mende
• Dimensions: 440mm [H]
• Production Date: Pre 1964
• Associated Places: Kowama village, Moyamba District (Place collected)
• Associated People: A.B. Seisay, Freetown (Trader)
• Museum: Sierra Leone National Museum
• Accession Number: SLNM.1964.74.01

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