Sowei Mask

This is 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. This is an unusual example, wearing a European pith helmet. She has a coin tied with twisted fibre to each ear; the one on the left reads BRITISH WEST AFRICA 3 PENCE 1943 , and the one on the right BRITISH WEST AFRICA 3 PENCE 1939 .

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Further Information

• Type: Figures, sculpture
• Object: Sowei Mask
• Materials: Wood, Vegetable, organic fibre, Metal
• Culture Group: Mende, Sherbro
• Dimensions: 420mm x 220mm x 240H x [W][C]
• Production Date: 1942 - 1972
• Associated Places: Pujehun
• Associated People: Fode Mohamed Kaba
• Museum: British Museum
• Accession Number: BM:Af.1972.52.1

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