Description
Size +/- 25x16x16cmFor details see all pictures, part of the description.General info :A Sande helmet mask with two faces—often called a double-sided, double-faced, or Janus-faced sowei mask—is a rare variant of the traditional initiation masks used by the female Sande society. While standard sowei masks typically feature a single serene face, two-faced versions are commissioned for senior officials to convey heightened spiritual power, omnipresence, and ultimate authority. Key Features of a Two-Faced Sande MaskJanus-Faced Configuration: Two identical or highly complementary faces are carved on opposite sides of a single block of wood. This means the spirit "looks" both forward and backward, symbolizing all-seeing wisdom, protection, and spiritual vigilance. Polished Black Finish: Carved from cottonwood and deeply stained using palm oil or vegetable dyes to create a smooth, light-reflective surface that signifies health and water spirits. Exaggerated Neck Rings: Ringed layers at the base represent rolls of fat—a sign of prosperity and fertility—and mimic ripples of water from which the guardian spirit arises.Dignified, Restrained Expressions: Both faces exhibit downcast slit eyes, a broad forehead, and a tightly closed mouth to indicate composure, silence, and keeper of secrets. Ornate Shared Coiffure: Complex braided patterns, ridges, or crests merge seamlessly at the top of the helmet, blending the two profiles together. Cultural SignificanceFemale Masquerade: These masks—worn by the Mende, Vai, and Temne peoples of Sierra Leone and Liberia—are among the few instances in Africa where masks are exclusively worn and danced by women (ndoli jowei). Higher Rank: While a baseline single-faced mask is given to standard initiates, more complex or double-faced masks indicate a much higher rank or grade within the esoteric Sande leadership hierarch
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Depuis 23 sept. '26
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