Helmet mask, sowo wui

carved wooden face

Mende, Blama, Kenema District, Sierra Leone, about 1913
Accession Number 12.5.14.14

The leader of the Sande association in a particular community has the title Sowei. She is the keeper of female wisdom and teacher of future wives and mothers. The masked dancer has the same title and portrays an ideal image of female power and beauty.


Back to the top