Bwa Plank Mask

Medium: Acrylic and Oil on 16" x 20" Canvas
Availability: 1 of 1 Original Please enquire for acquisition details.

From the Mende and neighbouring peoples of Sierra Leone and western Liberia.

Sowei helmet masks belong to the all-female Sande society and are worn in public ceremony by senior women. Carved as a helmet to sit over the head, the mask is performed with a full raffia costume that conceals the body; in masquerade, the dancer embodies Sowei, the spirit and authority of the society.

The glossy black surface represents well-oiled skin, the face is composed; a high forehead for intelligence, downcast eyes for humility, and a small closed mouth, because spirits are not meant to speak as humans do.

This is a one-of-a-kind original artwork.

For pricing and acquisition enquiries, please contact us directly via studio@adeche.com