African Proverb

The Pillar of the World is Hope

 My interpretation:  

hope has the power to motivate and support people.

When people have hope (in a better future, in achieving their goals) they can withstand any difficulties they may encounter in their lives. They don’t break down. They are stable, on their feet and their world does not collapse.

Hope is what gives them strength to fight for a goal.
As long as one continues to fight, one does not crumple.
Hence hope has the power to motivate and support people.

Only the pillar of HOPE can survive for ever!

African Mask

I have choosen the Woyo mask!

This mask belongs to a small tribe, the Woyo, who are mostly fishermen.  They 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.

Their Woyo masks are made of wood. They are characterized by their large size and the use of colorful dots which create contrast against the masks’ white background. Usually they are also decorated with sacred objects known as nkissi.

Colors have a symbolic significance for Woyo people and the mask can be often repainted to renew its power.

So colors signify power for Woyo people and their masks are actually considered as one of the most beautiful African tribal masks!

A male society called indunga wears these masks together with a costume made from banana leaves during rituals (ceremonial dances). These dances take part at several important occasions for example funerals, celebrations, installations of tribal elders and in presence of great danger!

 

The mask is very realistic (unlike other tribal masks which are more elaborated), and its painted with two contrasting colors, red and blue. The mouth is open and we can see the teeth. The eyes are not entirely shut which allow the dancer to see. The eyebrows are carved, the teeth are shaped one by one, and the nose, lips and cheeks are very well shaped.

The expression is very interesting. It seems like Woyo artists have studied the human face with all its characteristics, details and volumes.

The reason this masked appealed to me is because of the use of color, which, after doing some research I have discovered that it is very important to this tribe. It has a symbolic meaning of power.

The use of masks by the Western African societies is extremely important. Rituals, ceremonies and dances are part of their everyday life, beliefs and overall culture. All African tribes have a great respect for nature. For example, the Woyo people believe and pay tribute to several deities known as nkissi and various river spirits called itobo. Furthermore they believe in witchcraft and sorcery and they respect their priests and diviners.