Slow down and spend time with one work of art each month during Mindful Looking Online at the Denver Art Museum. On Sept. 15 from 1-1:45 pm, explore an intricately carved mask worn in coming-of-age ceremonies in Sierra Leone, Africa.

In Sierra Leone, senior members of the all-female Sande society sing and dance wearing sowei masks during girls’ coming-of-age ceremonies. We’ll look more closely (with our eyes and with pencil and paper with simple drawing prompts) at the careful and creative artistry of this Sowei “helmet mask” from the late 1800s—one element of an elaborate masquerade that includes raffia and fabric—and explore the role of masquerade in cementing social bonds and marking milestones in Mende society.
As an object of deep social and spiritual significance, consider together the transformation of context in its display in an art museum.
To participate via Zoom: Join us live a few minutes before the program start time (link on museum website). Free and open to all who would like to join. Advance registration is not required.