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African
Masks
Woyo
Mask
Woyo
masks are usually painted with contrasting colours against
a white background and are often worn with a full length
costume made from banana leaves.
The
colours used in a Woyo mask have symbolic meaning and
are sometimes repainted to renew its power.
Woyo
masks are carved for the ritual dances of the 'ndunga',
a male society responsible for maintaining social order.
The
Woyo believe in witchcraft. Ordeals by fire and poison
are used to determine the guilt of those who have been
practicing sorcery.
The
Woyo are mostly fishermen who live on the Atlantic coast
in the Angolan province of Cabinda and spread inland to
the southwest region of the Democratic Republic of the
Congo.
Mouse
over the map for a more detailed view of Woyo territory.
Woyo
Mask Drawing
You
can click on the sketch above to view a simplified A4
line drawing
which you may use to help you draw or trace this mask
design. |
