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. The mask is thought to represent conceptions of idealised womanhood. This example has a five ridged hairstyle, and white metal strips nailed along each ridge. It is unusually simple and made from a heavier hardwood, rather than the lighter and more typical cotton tree wood.

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Further Information

• Type: Masks, headdresses
• Object: Sowei Mask
• Materials: Wood, Metal
• Culture Group: Mende
• Dimensions: 400mm [H] x 190mm x 220mm
• Production Date: Pre 1960
• Associated Places: Kailahun District (Collected)
• Associated People: Guy Massie-Taylor (Collector)
• Museum: Glasgow Museums
• Accession Number: GLAMG:A.1985.13.ac

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