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 is complete with black raffia and has a six-lobed hairstyle. A small bird is attached by a metal plate collar to the top.

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Further Information

• Type: Masks, headdresses
• Object: Sowei Mask
• Materials: Wood, Vegetable, organic fibre
• Culture Group: Mende
• Dimensions: overall: 340 mm x 250 mm x 220 mm; overall (skirt): 620 mm
• Production Date: Pre 1960
• Associated Places: Unknown
• Associated People: Guy Massie-Taylor (Collector)
• Museum: Glasgow Museums
• Accession Number: GLAMG:A.1985.13.s

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