Helmet mask "sowei" of "sande" society

Description

wood, blackish brown patina, characteristic form: cylindrical, with a compressed diamond-shaped face and voluminous neck rolls, elaborate hairdo with snake, min. dam., cracks, slight traces of abrasion;
the mask “sowei” primarily performs during “sande” initation. The usual term for the “sande” masker is “ndoli jowel” - literally meaning “dancing sowei”. Her appearance tells the community that specific stages of initiation have been successfully completed. She also appears on other occasions when her presence is a means of impressing on the community the unity and strength of the female corporate body. She dances at the crowning of a paramount chief or at the funeral ceremony after the death of a paramount chief or important man. She may also dance if another important chief or high government official comes to visit the town. “Ndoli jowel” is accompanied by a “ligba” who carries a straw mat that is draped over the masker’s lap when she is seated and may also be used to screen her if she wishes to rearrange her costume. Her attendant calls out the masker’s personal name in a short chant to introduce her to the crowd. The “ndoli jowel” wears, in addition to the black helmet mask, one or more capes of black-dyed palm fibre around neck and waist. The costume includes various traditional herbal charms encased in sheep’s horns, as well as amulets. They are intended to increase the masker’s attractive powers and afford her protection from witchcraft.