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 segmented neck, raised around the back, and a small diamond-shaped face. Her hairstyle is raised into three bunches, and adorned on either side with horn-shaped amulets.

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Further Information

• Type: Masks, headdresses
• Object: Sowei Mask
• Materials: Wood
• Culture Group: Mende
• Dimensions: Unknown
• Production Date: Pre 1970
• Associated Places: Goderich, Western Area
• Associated People: Alfred Ngowoja, Goderich (Trader)
• Museum: Sierra Leone National Museum
• Accession Number: SLNM.1970.07.01

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