Sowei Mask

This resembles the 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. This mask is janus faced, with one face at the front and one at the rear. It is too narrow to be worn, suggesting it was carved for sale, rather than for use by the society.

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Further Information

• Type: Masks, headdresses
• Object: Sowei Mask
• Materials: Wood
• Culture Group: Temne
• Dimensions: Unknown
• Production Date: Pre 1966
• Associated Places: Freetown
• Associated People: Mr. Santigie Sesay (Carver)
• Museum: Sierra Leone National Museum
• Accession Number: SLNM.1966.36.02

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