Helmet mask of "sande" society "ndoli jowel" ·  Sierra Leone, Mende · ID: 3040976

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Description

wood, blackish brown patina, striking small bean-shaped eyes with sickle-shaped slits underneath, cross-shaped tattoos on the cheeks, various drilled holes, slightly dam., cracks, missing parts through insect caused damage (backside at the coiffure), abrasion of paint;
the features of the “ndoli jowel” masks illustrate Mende canons of feminine beauty, such as a broad high forehead, small eyes, elaborate coiffure and neck rolls. Every “ndoli jowel” mask has a personal name and identity.

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Comparing literature

Fagaly, William, Ancestors of Congo Square, New Orleans 2011, p. 98

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Publications

Robbins, Tom, How to Approach the Traditional African Sculpture, in: Smithsonian Magazine, September 1972

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