Anonymous

Mende, Sierra Leone

Sande Society Helmet Mask

20th century

Wood

Gift of Donna and Thomas Brumfield, Jr. in honor of Michael Milkovich

2002.30.2

This type of helmet mask would have been worn during special occasions by Mende women within their town’s Sande society, which is entirely female. It represents the protective river spirit Sowei, and is the only known African wooden masks worn by women. The fine features and high forehead signify concepts of status and ideal beauty in Mende culture.

More works of art in the category: African

23 works of art See all

Other ways to explore the collection