This early 20th Century carved cylindrical helmet mask has an elaborate six lobe coiffure with two spiked plaits extending up from the center of the head. The extended plaits resemble a snake. The mask has Sewa-Mende markings on each cheek, distinctive eyebrows, and curved eye slats. The mask bears the customary characteristics of Sowei masks, blackened surface, small mouth, nose and eyes, large forehead, three neck rings, and elaborate hairstyle. Holes around the base are for attaching raffia. A hole in the top of the mask is from the core of the wood. The mask has a thick patina, has been used and is in relatively good condition.
GEOGRAPHY / CULTURE GROUP: Sierra Leone, Mende. The Mende people are a population of farmers. They take tremendous pride in their cultural practices. The society is arranged in chiefdoms of different lineages. The Mende have very strong traditional societies that moderate social behavior and cultural practices. The societies also play major roles with rites of passage, divination, and healing. The Mende mystical and cultural beliefs help to bind people into communities. Notable among the Mende secret societies are the Poro, Sande and Wunde societies.
