Sowei Mask

This resembles 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 scarification marks on her forehead, shaped like a cross. Her five-lobed hairstyle is adorned with rows of cowrie-shells, associated with power and wealth.

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Further Information

• Type: Masks, headdresses
• Object: Sowei Mask
• Materials: Wood
• Culture Group: Sherbro
• Dimensions: 430mm x 225mm
• Production Date: Unknown
• Associated Places: Sierra Leone (Created)
• Associated People: Welcome Historical Medical Museum
• Museum: World Museum Liverpool Sierra Leone Collection
• Accession Number: LIVCM.49.41.6

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