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 unusually carved neck rings and a small, un-detailed, face. It does not have any raffia holes, so may have been carved for sale, rather than use.

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Further Information

• Type: Masks, headdresses
• Object: Sowei Mask
• Materials: Wood
• Culture Group: Mende
• Dimensions: 400mm x 190mm
• Production Date: Unknown
• Associated Places: Sierra Leone (Collected and created)
• Associated People: J. F. Duff (Donor)
• Museum: World Museum Liverpool Sierra Leone Collection
• Accession Number: LIVCM.52.45

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