"Sande" society helmet mask "ndoli jowel"

Description

wood, shiny black patina, cylindrical, with the characteristic compressed diamond-shaped face and voluminous neck rolls, elaborate lobed coiffure, high towering and adorned with narrow metal bands, slightly dam., patina chipped off in parts, minor missing parts through insect caused damage along lower rim;
the highest ranking officials of the “sande” are known als “sowei”, and the mask is known as “ndoli jowel” (literally “dancing sowei”). It embodies the guardian spirit of the society and represents “sande” at all major public occasions, from funerals to important visits or installations of chiefs. 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.