Helmet mask "sowei" of the "bundu" society ·  Sierra Leone, Mende · ID: 3036798

Description

wood, shiny blackish brown patina, characteristic form: cylindrical, with a compressed diamond-shaped face and voluminous neck rolls, pierced around the rim, traces of insect caused damage (inside), 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. Senior women wear these masks at the termination of initiation ceremonies in order to embody their patron spirit a persona of fecundity and grace, known as “sowei”.

The object Helmet mask “sowei” of the “bundu” society with the object ID 3036798 was part of the auction 77th tribal art auction on June 28, 2014. The object with the lot number 125 achieved a sales price of EUR 4,500 with an asking price of EUR 2,000.

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Comparing literature

Philips, Ruth B., Representing woman, Los Angeles 1995, p. 108, ill. 5.9