Sande society mask (sowei)
Arts of Africa
CULTURE
Mende
MEDIUM
Wood, pigment
DATES
19th century
DIMENSIONS
15 x 10 1/4 x 9 in. (38.1 x 26.0 x 22.9 cm) (show scale)
COLLECTIONS
Arts of Africa
ACCESSION NUMBER
1998.80.3
CREDIT LINE
Gift of Blake Robinson
CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION
Diamond-shaped face with incised crescent-shaped eyes. Between cheeks and ears are areas of raised scarification. On each cheek there is a plus-shaped form. Mask has elaborate coiffure: In front are two combs; on top are two sets of carved antelope horns. Mask also has ornate neck rings. Around the base are several small holes for fastening.
Condition: Condition is good. One set of antelope horns have old breaks that are patinated.
MUSEUM LOCATION
This item is not on view
CAPTION
Mende. Sande society mask (sowei), 19th century. Wood, pigment, 15 x 10 1/4 x 9 in. (38.1 x 26.0 x 22.9 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Blake Robinson, 1998.80.3. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 1998.80.3_transpc003.jpg)
IMAGE
overall, 1998.80.3_transpc003.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph
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RIGHTS STATEMENT
Creative Commons-BY
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