Masque casque "ndoli jowei" ·  Sierra Leone, Mendé · ID: 3049391

Description

wood,

These masks are believed to represent the protective spirit of “sande”, a powerful women’s society responsible for initiating young girls into their roles and responsibilities as women in the community.

They were worn at performances to celebrate the completion of the young initiates’ training period. Contrary to the usual tradition, these helmet masks are worn exclusively by women. The mask dancers are supposed to exemplify the Mende ideals of feminine beauty and behaviour.