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 has a six-ridged hairstyle, and is likely have been carved for sale, rather than use, as it is too small to be worn.

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Further Information

• Type: Masks, headdresses
• Object: Sowei Mask
• Materials: Wood
• Culture Group: Mende
• Dimensions: 254mm [H]
• Production Date: Pre 1994
• Associated Places: Unknown
• Associated People: Mr. Nick A. Hecren, Director of CUSO, Freetown (Donor)
• Museum: Sierra Leone National Museum
• Accession Number: SLNM.1993.04.05

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