Early helmet mask "ndoli jowei" · Sierra Leone, Mende · ID: 3046368
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.
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.
The object Early helmet mask “ndoli jowei” with the object ID 3046368 was last part of the auction 94th Tribal Art Auction at March 7, 2020 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house. The object with the lot number 17 achieved a sales price of EUR 450.
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Comparing literature
Phillips, Ruth B., Representing Woman, Los Angeles 1995, p. 97