Helmet mask of "sande" society "ndoli jowel" · Sierra Leone, Mende · ID: 3040976
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.
The object Helmet mask of “sande” society “ndoli jowel” with the object ID 3040976 was last part of the auction 84th Tribal Art Auction at November 5, 2016 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house. The object with the lot number 123 achieved a sales price of EUR 2,500.
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Comparing literature
Fagaly, William, Ancestors of Congo Square, New Orleans 2011, p. 98
Publications
Robbins, Tom, How to Approach the Traditional African Sculpture, in: Smithsonian Magazine, September 1972