Helmet mask "sowei" of the "bundu" society
Sierra Leone, Mende
not available anymore
Provenance
Noella Gest, St. Rémy-de-Provence, France (1974)Swiss Private Collection
Size
H: 34 cm
H: 13.4 inch
Description
wood, dark brown patina, characteristic form: cylindrical, with a compressed diamond-shaped face and voluminous neck rolls, min. dam., missing part in the area of the chin, traces of insect caused damage, fine cracks, slight traces of abrasion;
“sowei” 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.