Sowei Mask and Raffia

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 an elaborate hairstyle, fringed by a row of small sebe/sebbeh, or amulets, and surmounted by a large pyramidal object, potentially also representing an amulet. It is complete with black dyed raffia, hiding the body of the wearer.

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Further Information

• Type: Masks, headdresses
• Object: Sowei Mask and Raffia
• Materials: Wood, Vegetable, organic fibre
• Culture Group: Mende
• Dimensions: Unknown
• Production Date: Pre 1899
• Associated Places: Unknown
• Associated People: Thomas Joshua Alldridge (Collector)
• Museum: Brighton Museum and Art Gallery
• Accession Number: BMAG:WA506055

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