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 is Janus faced and has a cross-hatched hairstyle, with three lobes, tied with white fabric.

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Further Information

• Type: Masks, headdresses
• Object: Sowei Mask
• Materials: Wood
• Culture Group: Mende
• Dimensions: 395mm x 220mm
• Production Date: Unknown
• Associated Places: Sierra Leone of Liberia (Created)
• Associated People: Norwich Castle Museum
• Museum: World Museum Liverpool Sierra Leone Collection
• Accession Number: LIVCM.56.25.534

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