Helmet Mask "ndoli Jowei" ("sowei" / "nòwo") - Sierra Leone, Mende - Apr 13, 2024 | Kunstauktionshaus Zemanek-muenster In Bavaria
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Helmet mask "ndoli jowei" ("sowei" / "nòwo") - Sierra Leone, Mende

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Helmet mask "ndoli jowei" ("sowei" / "nòwo") - Sierra Leone, Mende
Helmet mask "ndoli jowei" ("sowei" / "nòwo") - Sierra Leone, Mende
Item Details
Description
wood, metal,

The life of the Mende is regulated by a number of initiation societies. The most important are the "poro" society of men and the "sande" (or "bundu") society of women. The main aim of the "sande" is to prepare girls for marriage and motherhood.

At the final initiation ceremonies, the newly initiated are led through the village by a masked figure called "ndoli jowei" ("the sowei who dances"). This masked figure is believed to embody the guardian spirit of the "sande"- society, called "ngafa".
H: 35 cm, H: 13,8 inch

Provenance:
Helmut Zake (1918-1995), Heidelberg, Germany
Ansgar Fasdernes, Haßloch, Germany
Zemanek-Münster, Würzburg, 28 May 2005, Lot 76
Werner Zintl, Worms, Germany

AHDRC: 0114473
Condition
See description
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Helmet mask "ndoli jowei" ("sowei" / "nòwo") - Sierra Leone, Mende

Estimate €600 - €1,200
See Sold Price
Starting Price €600
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Kunstauktionshaus Zemanek-Muenster

Kunstauktionshaus Zemanek-Muenster

Wurzburg, Germany529 Followers
Auction Curated By
Dr. David Zemanek
Expert for African and Oceanic Art
Howard Nowes
Expert for Pre-Columbian and Classical Antiquities
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