Mende Sowei Mask 1
Artist: Unknown Mende artist
Name: Sowei helmet mask
Origin: Mende people of Sierra Leone
Made of: Wood
Dimensions: H: 14.5” (37 cm) W: 8.5” (22 cm) D: 13.4” (34 cm)
From: Gift of Dr. Oliver E. and Pamela F. Cobb, 2009
Accession no. 2009-02-004
On display in the PLU’s Mortvedt Library (2nd floor)
Description: This Sowei mask has a large, rounded forehead with an undeveloped chin. It also has scarification marks around the eyes, rings of skin around the neck and two additional rings at the back of the neck. The mask also has a crested coiffure with a platform for an amulet.