"Sande" society helmet mask "ndoli jowel"
Description
wood, blackish brown patina, ridged hairstyle with two drilled holes, where charms in the form of Moslem amulets and medicine horns were attached, slightly dam., minor missing parts (right ear, coiffure, lower rim), fine crack, base;
the highest ranking officials of the “sande” are known als “sowei”, and the mask is known as “ndoli jowei” (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. Its appearance shows up that particular steps in initiation are completed. In earlier times especially, “ndoli jowel” came out to bring justice to an offender against Sande laws. “Ndoli jowel” is accompanied by a “ligba” who carries a straw mat that is draped over the masker’s lap when she is seated and may also be used to screen her if she wishes to rearrange her costume. Her attendant calls out the masker’s personal name in a short chant to introduce her to the crowd. 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.