Helmet mask "ndoli jowei" ·  Sierra Leone, Mende · ID: 3049391

Description

wood,

These masks are believed to represent the protective spirit of “sande”, a powerful women’s society responsible for initiating young girls into their roles and responsibilities as women in the community.

They were worn at performances to celebrate the completion of the young initiates’ training period. Contrary to the usual tradition, these helmet masks are worn exclusively by women. The mask dancers are supposed to exemplify the Mende ideals of feminine beauty and behaviour.

The object Helmet mask “ndoli jowei” with the object ID 3049391 was last part of the auction 99th Auction at November 12, 2022 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house. The object with the lot number 70 achieved a sales price of EUR 450.

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