An Mende ndoli jowei carved wood helmet mask
Early 20th century; Sierra Leone, West Africa
The carved and burnished wooden mask with elaborately carved replication of the hairstyle worn by the Mende women, the braids accented with small metal chains, and the diminutive face with notched carving into the forehead and cheeks representing ritual scarification
13.5" H x 8" Dia.
Provenance: Property of an Important New York Corporate Collection

Other Notes: This type of mask is used by the Sande, a female secret society within the Mende culture, on important occasions: handing down justice, attending funeral ceremonies, and going through initiation rites. The Mende initiation rite for young women is the only known masquerade tradition where the mask-wearers are female. Sowei refers most specifically to medicine-the kind of medicine that female healers/herbalists utilize. The ndoli jowei helmet mask is owned and worn by a Sowei, the senior official of the Sande. Embodied in this idea of medicine is a spiritual force. The mask, when danced, is a visual expression of this spirit. The term also refers to the custodian of the medicine. The interior of the mask is carved out for ceremonial wear, and several perforations around the base allow for the suspension of a large textile costume.

Overall good condition with minor scattered scuffs, scratches, and nicks commensurate with age and use. Slight abrasion to the carved surface of the right front 'bun' of the hair. The metal chain accents appear to have losses below the ears, as it seems the length there was free to dangle and is no longer present. One large shrinkage crack on the left rear quadrant of the head, about 9" in length. Possibly missing a stone, cowrie, or metal accent at the pinnacle, which is presently a small opening. Condition reports are offered as a courtesy and are typically published in Moran's catalogue or can be made available upon request. The absence of a condition report does not imply that an item is free from defects or restoration, nor does a reference to particular defects imply the absence of others. Buyers are responsible for determining to their own satisfaction the true nature and condition of any lot prior to bidding. Though buyers are not legally required to inspect lots prior to purchase, failure to do so may constitute a waiver of complaint that an item was not delivered in a condition equal to the existent condition at the auction.