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 similar to a type identified as Gola; there are a number of similar masks in other museum collections, possibly made by the same carver.

Related Videos

Further Information

  • Type: Masks, headdresses
  • Object: Sowei Mask
  • Materials: Wood
  • Culture Group: Mende, Gola
  • Dimensions: Unknown
  • Production Date: Pre 1899
  • Associated Places: Unknown
  • Associated People: Thomas Joshua Alldridge (Collector)
  • Museum: Brighton Museum and Art Gallery
  • Accession Number: BMAG:WA505868

Related Objects

Sowei Mask and Raffia

Masks, headdresses

Gonde Mask

Masks, headdresses

Sowei Mask

Masks, headdresses

Sowei Mask

Masks, headdresses

Sowei Mask

Masks, headdresses