Mende Sowei Mask
Item History & Price
| Reference Number: Avaluer:44925087 | Tribe: Mende |
| Material: Wood |
Mende Sowei mask14" tallwood, pigment*Stand in photos is not included with the mask, it was used for display purposes only*
In their traditional context carved wooden helmet masks like this 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 neck ...rings, elaborate coiffure and dignified facial expression. The mask is thought to represent conceptions of idealized womanhood.
In their traditional context carved wooden helmet masks like this 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 neck ...rings, elaborate coiffure and dignified facial expression. The mask is thought to represent conceptions of idealized womanhood.
