The SOWEI DEVIL of the Mende tribe, (Bondo society) traditional dance - Sierra Leone

Описание: The Sowei mask dance (also called ndoli jowei in Mende) is a striking and culturally rich tradition of the Mende people of Sierra Leone. It is closely tied to the SandeBondo society, a women’s secret initiation society.

Who dances it

One of the more remarkable aspects is that the Sowei mask is typically danced by a woman, an expert called ndoli jowei (sometimes translated “the dancing sowei”) among the Mende.

Women in most African cultures generally do not perform mask dances, making this tradition particularly exceptional.

Ritual occasions

The mask is worn in initiation ceremonies for girls, particularly in the culminating public dance that marks the formal transition from initiation to adulthood.

It can also appear at public ceremonies like funerals or the installation of chiefs, as a symbol of female authority and communal integrity.

During the initiation process in the bush / forest, the mask may remain hidden, then brought out at the final public presentation.

Channeling Spirit & Performance

In performance, the mask is believed to channel or embody a spirit (sometimes called ngafa) — the spiritual guardian of the Sande society and female ancestors.

Through dance, the Sowei (via the mask and the dancer) teaches, models, and enacts the social and moral ideals that new initiates should emulate.

The dance can combine graceful, measured movements with energetic, more acrobatic gestures — shifting between calm and vitality.

The mask’s expression (its serene gaze, downcast eyes) signals inner strength and spiritual composure, rather than overt emotion or drama.

Teaching & transmission

The ndoli jowei trains the new initiates in the dance movements.

The dance itself becomes part of moral instruction: through its rhythms and gestures, stories or lessons about womanhood, propriety, fertility, and social roles may be communicated.

Today & controversies

Bondo/Sande initiation in Sierra Leone often includes FGM. Nationally there is no explicit ban as of 2025, though some chiefdoms sign MoUs protecting minors.