Commissioned and worn by women, although carved by men, this mask was associated with the education and socialization of young Mende and Vai females, as supervised within the Sande society. Senior women wore these masks at the termination of initiation ceremonies in order to embody their patron spirit persona of fecundity and grace, known as Sowei. The high forehead, compressed triangular face, and voluminous neck rolls, the latter of which signifies both wealth and beauty, are characteristic. Carved from light bombax wood, the mask is blackened and oiled to approximate supple skin.

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