The lustrously, smooth black surface in the mask connotes shining, healthy skin that symbolizes female beauty and moral purity. Youthfulness represents very good although old age and deformity represent evil plus a flawed morality in accordance with Mende beliefs.
Moral virtue and purity are represented by the mask's lowered eyes indicating restraint, the composed expression indicating inner serenity, and the smooth, broad forehead indicating a noble nature. All features are exaggerated.
The bird figure on top of the coiffure has many symbolic and mythological meanings including clairvoyance, love, fertility, power, danger, discipline, prudence and laughter (African Art: Aesthetics and Meaning). African aesthetics generally has a moral basis, and in numerous African languages the same term is applied for "good' and "beautiful." The intention of African art, just like the Sowei mask, is Sowei Mask. African Art: Aesthetics and Meaning.
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