Sande Society Helmet Mask (sowei)

This black helmet mask belonged to the woman’s initiation society known as Sande. The sowei are the highest-ranking individuals in the Sande society. They are believed to be wise and able to communicate with their ancestors. The Sande society’s masquerades are performed by women only. The performers who wear helmet masks are known as ndoli jowei, or “the dancing sowei.” These dancers perform at births, funerals, and various rite-of-passage ceremonies. The helmet mask is only one part of their elaborate, full-body costumes.

The ndoli jowei masquerade represents female power. For the women of Sierra Leone, the masquerade is even more important than the mask itself. Each mask is given a name associated with the performer’s skilled dance steps. The collectors of this mask recorded its name (“Navoh”) when it was gifted to them in 1973.