Helmet mask "ndoli jowel" ·  Sierra Leone, Mende · ID: 3042204

Description

wood, dark brown patina, remains of black paint, encrusted in some areas, proportionally large face with raised scarification marks, fine grooved plaited coiffure, typical neck rolls, slightly dam., minor missing parts;
the highest ranking officials of the Sande are known als “sowei”, and the mask is known as “ndoli jowel” (literally “dancing sowei”). It embodies the guardian spirit of the society and represents Sande at all major public occasions. Such 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.

Publications

AHDRC: 0142010