Early helmet mask "ndoli jowei" · Sierra Leone, Mende · ID: 3046368
sold
EUR 450
Provenance
Ahmadu Jah, Stockholm, Sweden
Peter Willborg, Stockholm, Sweden
Jah (1936-2018) was a Swedish musician (drums), composer and orchestra leader. He is the father of the musicians Neneh Cherry and Titiyo Jah.
Size
H: 39 cm
H: 15.4 inch
Description
wood, metal, insect caused damage, base
The particularly small minimalistic face and the subtle neck folds indicate an early date of origin for this mask.
These helmet masks are commissioned and worn by women, although carved by men. They are associated with the education and socialization of young females, and their excision ceremonies are supervised by the “bundu” or “sande” societies.
Comparing literature
Phillips, Ruth B., Representing Woman, Los Angeles 1995, p. 97