Helmet Mask Item Number: 2761/1 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Cylindrical dark brown wooden initiation mask that pulls down over the head. Triangular shaped face with pointed chin, small ears, and rounded brow is carved into the front beneath an elaborately ridged hair style or headdress. The face is framed with a band of thin ridges, behind which large thick ridges and a crown ? run back to end in a circle of rounded knobs at the crown of the head. There are cut-outs at the eyes, a large opening at the back, and two bands of punched holes around the base.
History Of Use
Although lacking the usual neck folds of the similar Mende masks, this triangular faced sowei does have the characteristically elaborate coiffure and downcast eyes that express ideals of feminine beauty and modesty desired for girls as they transition into womanhood.
Item History
- Made in Liberia during 1960
- Owned by Richard Tchuemegne before September 8, 2009
- Received from Richard Tchuemegne (Seller) and Museum of Anthropology Acquisitions Budget (Funding source) on September 8, 2009
What
Who
- Culture
- Bassa
- Previous Owner
- Richard Tchuemegne
- Received from
- Richard Tchuemegne (Seller) and Museum of Anthropology Acquisitions Budget (Funding source)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Liberia
When
- Creation Date
- during 1960
- Ownership Date
- before September 8, 2009
- Acquisition Date
- on September 8, 2009
Other
- Condition
- fair
- Accession Number
- 2761/0001