Mende Sowei 2

Artist: Unknown Mende artist

Name: Sowei helmet mask

Origin: Mende people of Sierra Leone

Made of: Wood

Dimensions: H: 14.1” (36 cm) W: 7 “(18 cm) D: 8.6 “ (22 cm)

From: Gift of Dr. Oliver E. and Pamela F. Cobb, 2011

Accession no. 2011-02-003

On display in the PLU’s Mortvedt Library (2^nd floor)

Dimensions: This Sowei mask has a particularly large forehead and a pointed triangular chin. The facial features of this mask are towards the bottom of the chin to accentuate the forehead. This mask’s coiffure has multiple levels of braids, as well as larger horn-shaped crest braids.