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 hairstyle of two bunches, and scarification marks on her forehead and cheeks.
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Further Information
- Type: Masks, headdresses
- Object: Sowei Mask
- Materials: Wood
- Culture Group: Sherbro
- Dimensions: Unknown
- Production Date: Pre 1960
- Associated Places: Mattru Jong (Place collected)
- Associated People: Dr. M.C.F. Easmon (Collector)
- Museum: Sierra Leone National Museum
- Accession Number: SLNM.1960.17.03
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