African Bundu / Sowei Helmet Mask

This carved wooden mask is a Sande society helmet mask, traditionally used by the Mende people of Sierra Leone and Liberia. Known as a Sowei mask, it represents ideals of feminine beauty, grace, and spiritual maturity and is one of the few African masking traditions performed exclusively by women.

The mask features a calm, composed face with downcast eyes, a small mouth, and delicate scarification marks on the cheeks—each symbolizing dignity, restraint, and wisdom. The elaborate hairstyle is crowned by a stylized cobra at the top. Snakes often symbolize power and protection in Mende culture, adding an element of sacred authority to the piece.

These helmet masks are worn over the head and are part of full-body raffia costumes during Sande initiation ceremonies, where young girls are taught values, customs, and womanhood. The holes at the base were used to attach the mask to the costume.

Beautifully carved and rich in symbolism, this mask embodies cultural reverence and artistry—an evocative centerpiece for collectors of African art or meaningful objects.

• 16” x 8.5”