Mende. <em>Sande society mask (sowei)</em>, late 19th–early 20th century. Wood, pigment, metal, 15 1/2 x 9 1/4 x 10 1/4 in. (39.4 x 23.5 x 26 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Carll H. de Silver Fund, 74.64. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 74.64_edited_SL1.jpg)

Sande society mask (sowei)

Artist:MendeNguabu Master

Medium: Wood, pigment, metal

Geograhical Locations:

Dates:late 19th–early 20th century

Dimensions: 15 1/2 x 9 1/4 x 10 1/4 in. (39.4 x 23.5 x 26 cm)

Collections:

Exhibitions:

Accession Number: 74.64

Image: 74.64_edited_SL1.jpg,

Catalogue Description:
Wooden helmet mask of a human head. Its neck is enlarged with rolls of fat. There are holes around the base for attachments. The eyes are coffee bean in shape with slits through their centers. Four verticle scarification marks appear under each eye. The elaborate headress consists of eight flap-like forms secured at the center with a band.The headdress is topped by a mushroom-like ornament with frets and other decorative work. Condition: A vertical crack runs from base of mask to head band at back center and includes a triangular 1 3/4 hole below band.

Brooklyn Museum