Home > Museum Objects > World Cultures
Mende Sowei Mask, Sierra Leone, West Africa
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Royal Cornwall Museum
Mende Sowei Mask, Sierra Leone, West Africa
Women of the female-only secret society (Sande) of Western Africa used these carved, wooden, masks for initiation ceremonies, marking a womans transition from child to adulthood. During these important occasions a high-ranking member of the society, known as thendoli jowei- thesoweiwho dances would wear the mask on top of her head, with her body covered in a black raffia costume. Accompanied by music, dancing and singing she would appear in public and is viewed as both a physical manifestation of the spirit of the Sande Society and as an embodiment of its powerful medicines. TRURI : 1500.138
TRURI : 1500.138
Media ID 18833275
© RIC, photographer Mike Searle
MADE IN THE UK
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Basket.