Sowei Mask

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 appears to be carved in an early Sherbro-Bullom style, indicated by its upward slanting features.

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Further Information

• Type: Masks, headdresses
• Object: Sowei Mask
• Materials: Wood
• Culture Group: Mende
• Dimensions: 305mm [H]
• Production Date: Pre 1963
• Associated Places: Senehun Kamajei Chiefdom, Moyamba District (Place collected)
• Associated People: Paramount Chief Sinah Youoni, Moyamba District (Previous owner)
• Museum: Sierra Leone National Museum
• Accession Number: SLNM.1963.01.09

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