Sowei mask

Sowei is the spirit of Sande or Bundu the Mende women's secret society. The mask is worn by young women during their initiations into the society. It represents ideals of female beauty such as glossy skin and fat folds at the neck, and also female power, emotion, and other womanly qualities. The blackened wood mask fits over the head and has a charm container on top of the elaborate hair style.