Sierra Leonean Mende People Ritual Mask: "Sowei" Initiation Mask

This Mende People "Sowei" mask is worn exclusively by women who belong to the women's society, Sande. Every girl joins the Sande society at puberty. This culminates a year or two of isolation to learn the culture, traditions of the society. The initiation dance ritual celebrates the long-deceased founder of Sande society.

The mask presents the Mende ideal of feminine beauty: an elaborate hairstyle, a full forehead, and small facial features. The rolls of flesh, or "rings of voluptuousness," at the neck promise that the woman will bear many children. The mask is dyed black and then rubbed with palm oil to make it shiny, representing healthy, glowing skin. All masks are carved by the men of the village.

Along with the mask, the dancer puts on a thick cotton costume covered with heavy fibers.

Source:
https://africa.si.edu/collections/view/objects/asitem/People@1421/2?t:state:flow=ff1e754f-ca66-4819-adea-0e230fd202f2
http://www.randafricanart.com/Mende_mask.html