unknown Mende
Mende (active ) Primary

Sande Society Sowei Helmet Mask

Mid 20th century

15.748 x 10.236 in. (diameter) (40 x 26 cm)

This object has the following keywords:

• African - Refers to the cultures of the continent of Africa, which is bounded by the Atlantic Ocean, the Indian Ocean, and the Mediterranean Sea.
• carvings - Refers to works executed by cutting a figure or design out of a solid material such as stone or wood. It typically refers to works that are relatively small in size, are part of a larger work, or are not considered art. For large and medium-sized three-dimensional works of art, use the broader term "sculpture" or another appropriate term.
• ceremonial masks - Refers to masks created for or used in ceremonies or rituals.
• helmet masks - Masks that enclose the head entirely or in part, especially those worn during African ceremonies and masquerades.
• initiations - Ceremonies formally admitting someone into a community, organization, or other group, or investing them with a particular role or status.
• Mende
• ritual objects - Objects used for a particular ritual activity, often as part of a ceremony.
• scarification - Permanent marking of the human body, as with symbols, patterns, or other designs, by means of producing raised scars, done for social or cultural reasons or for adornment.
• scarifications - Refers to permanent marks, such as symbols, patterns, or other designs, made on human skin by scarring, done for social or cultural reasons or for personal decoration.
• secret societies - Any of various societies, the members of which are sworn to keep the rules, activities, and purposes secret from nonmembers.
• West African - Styles and cultures from the region comprising the westernmost area of the African continent, defined by the United Nations as including the modern nations of Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Cape Verde, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo.
• women - Refers to female human beings from young adulthood through old age.
• wood - The principal tissue of trees and other plants that provides both strength and a means of conducting nutrients. Wood is one of the most versatile materials known.

This object is a member of the following portfolios: