The helmet masks of the Mende, also called Sowei, were worn by elderly women during the rites of passage to adulthood of girls, who were called Sande or Bundu. They are characterised by a wide forehead, a closed mouth, rolls of fat on the neck and elaborate hairstyles.
Each Mende mask impresses with its elaborate hairstyle, always different and original, which reveals the relationship the Mende have for their hair: almost a cult.
In this regard, I find what Giovanni Frigo wrote on his website www.giovannifrigo.com very interesting. I propose it to you:
"A woman's hair is a sign of femininity. Both thickness and length are elements that are admired by the Mende. Thickness means that the woman has more individual hair strands and length is proof of strength. It takes time, care and patience to grow a beautiful full head of hair. Woman's hair is connected to the natural world, the way hair grows is compared to the way forests grow.
The vegetation on earth is the 'hair' on Mother Nature's head in the same way that the hair on a woman's head is her 'foliage'. A woman with long, thick hair shows a life force, she can be blessed with a green thumb that gives her a promising farm and many healthy children.
Hairstyles are very important in Mende society. A Mende woman's hair must be well groomed, clean and oiled; it must be tied under strict control and shaped into intricate and elegant styles for the sake of beauty and sex appeal. Dirty, shaggy hair is a sign of madness. A woman who does not care for and maintain her hair has neglected community standards of behaviour. Only a grieving woman can let her hair down. The Mende find unkempt 'wild' hair immoral and associate individuals who possess this trait with wild behaviour.".