Helmet Mask: Sowei
Artist: Mende people, Sewa subgroup
Date: late 19th - early 20th century
Dimensions:
includes length of raffia, H: 30 in. (76.2 cm);
mask, H: 18 in. (45 cm)
Medium: wood and pigment with raffia fringe
Place of Origin: Sierra Leone
Classification: Sculpture
Credit Line: Purchased with funds from the Libbey Endowment, Gift of Edward Drummond Libbey
Object number: 2006.1
Label Text:Women in Africa almost never dance wearing masks, so the masquerades of the Sande Society are nearly unique. Mende men take many wives, and every woman is expected to marry after she has been initiated into Sande. The mask fits closely over the head, and the intricate hairstyle, downcast eyes, small mouth, delicate ears, and ringed neck represent ideal feminine beauty.
DescriptionHelmet-form mask carved from a single block of wood to fit closely over the head of the wearer.
A sowei headpiece is carved as a human-form head with characteristic features - a wide ringed neck that fits over the head and rests on the wearer's shoulders, small closed mouth, small nose, small round ears, eyes carved downcast or closed (the wearer looks through slits which, on this mask, are cut hidden in the crease between chin and neck). An elaborate coiffure completes the mask.
The exterior was stained and oiled to create a lustrous black surface. A long fringe of raffia was tied and braided together, then attached to holes drilled along the lower edge.
A sowei headpiece is carved as a human-form head with characteristic features - a wide ringed neck that fits over the head and rests on the wearer's shoulders, small closed mouth, small nose, small round ears, eyes carved downcast or closed (the wearer looks through slits which, on this mask, are cut hidden in the crease between chin and neck). An elaborate coiffure completes the mask.
The exterior was stained and oiled to create a lustrous black surface. A long fringe of raffia was tied and braided together, then attached to holes drilled along the lower edge.
On view
In Collection(s)