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 finely plaited hair in three panels running across the head. It is surmounted by a triangular object and two horns, possibly representing sebe/sebbeh, or amulets.

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Further Information

• Type: Masks, headdresses
• Object: Sowei Mask
• Materials: Wood
• Culture Group: Mende
• Dimensions: 375mm [H] x 200mm x 220mm
• Production Date: Pre 1993
• Associated Places: Unknown
• Associated People: Steve Taylor (Buyer)
• Museum: Brighton Museum and Art Gallery
• Accession Number: BMAG:WA506996

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