Mende Sowei 3

Artist: Unknown Mende artist

Name: Sowei helmet mask

Origin: Mende people of Sierra Leone

Made of: Wood

Dimensions: H: 15” (38 cm) W: 7” (18 cm) D: 8.6 “ (22 cm)

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

Accession no. 2011-02-004

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

Description: This Sowei mask has a sharp chin, downcast eyes and no mouth. The coiffure displays intricate patters and braids, and crested horn-shaped sections of hair.