Mendé, Sierra Leone - Lot 215

Lot 215
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Estimation :
400 - 600 EUR
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Mendé, Sierra Leone - Lot 215
Mendé, Sierra Leone Helmet mask, wood H. 36 cm - W. 26 cm (sold without the base) Known as a sowei or ndoli jowei, this helmet mask was worn by the female leaders of the Sande society during initiation rituals marking young girls’ passage into adulthood. It embodies the Sande guardian spirit, a protective entity associated with the education and moral training of women, and serves as the embodiment of an ideal of feminine beauty. Its remarkable craftsmanship highlights the aesthetic features most valued within the community and demonstrates exceptional sculptural skill.
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