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Woyo masks

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A Woyo mask in the Royal Museum for Central Africa.

Woyo masks, often called ndunga or bandunga[1], are ritual masks made by the Woyo people of Central Africa. The people of this area were called Ngoyo by Europeans.[2]

Materials and Meaning

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The Woyo masks are crafted from gourds.[3] Then they are carved out of wood for use, and painted with contrasting colors.[4] The colors used had symbolic meaning and were sometimes repainted, symbolizing rebirth, or to restore the power of the mask.[4] They are also decorated with sacred objects known as nkissi.[5]The masks were worn in ceremonial dances known as the ndunga. They were also used in various ceremonies like those aimed to protect against disaster, an initiation of a chief or funerals of high-ranking officials.[3]

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References

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  1. ^ Cooksey, Susan; Poynor, Robin; Vanhee, Hein (2013). "Kongo across the Waters". African Arts. 46 (4): 74–87. ISSN 0001-9933.
  2. ^ "New Page 1". www.zyama.com. Retrieved 2025-02-18.
  3. ^ a b "Great Mask Kumbukutu Ndunga Woyo". Great Mask Kumbukutu Ndunga Woyo - African art - african mask, african statue, bronze - The reference in african art, ethnic art and tribal art. Retrieved 2025-02-18.
  4. ^ a b "African Masks - Woyo". Retrieved 2016-11-13.
  5. ^ "Woyo Tribes - African Tribes". Retrieved 2016-11-14.