"Sande" society helmet mask "ndoli jowel" ·  Sierra Leone, Mende · ID: 3039876

Description

wood, black patina, of typical form with fan-shaped coiffure, star- and crescent-shaped applications from sheet silver, magical paraphernalia preserved (two charms, animal horn filled with magical substances) as well as the abundant plant fibre cuff at the lower rim, dotted tattoos, slightly dam., crack (coiffure), strips from sheet silver originally adorned the contour of the hairline and the ridges of the fan-like hairdo;
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.