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Fine 'Sowei' Mask. Mende, Sierra Leone
$4,475.33
£3,200
€3,826.79
CA$6,136.58
A$6,851.67
CHF 3,595
MX$84,561.77
NOK 45,189.62
SEK 42,282.90
DKK 28,548.47
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About the Item
This fine Mende ‘Sowei’ mask was worn exclusively by women. The mask represents an ideal of feminine beauty admired by the Mende: elaborate hairstyles, full forehead, small facial features and fleshy neck rolls. The gleaming wooden surface signifies healthy, glowing skin.
This mask features serene, downcast eyes, a finely pointed chin, and an impressive incised cross-hatched coiffure. An unusual feature of this mask is the detail of the coiffure and the inclusion of relief markings on the forehead.
Ex Private Collection, Europe
Estimated Period: Mid-20th Century or Before
Reference: Phillips, T. (1999) Africa: The Art of a Continent, p. 473
- Dimensions:Height: 17.72 in (45 cm)Width: 11.42 in (29 cm)Depth: 11.82 in (30 cm)
- Style:Tribal (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:Mid-20th Century or Before
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:London, GB
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU8736243412452
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