B C H K L M N P S T W Y Z

Suku

SUKU TYPES OF ART Various wooden sculptures are made, extending from religious and magical figures to everyday status items, such as elegantly carved cups and hair combs. The Suku, like their neighbors the Yaka, also create complicated masks, which are used by the initiation societies. HISTORY Oral history suggests that the Suku, along with the …
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Tabwa

TABWA TYPES OF ART Tabwa carvers produce many beautiful utilitarian objects such as combs, drums, and bellows, but also produce sculpted figures representing ancestors and twin figures. Although a few masks exist in collections, very little is known about them. HISTORY The peoples who currently identify themselves as Tabwa were once a series of smaller …
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Woyo

WOYO TYPES OF ART Woyo sculpture shows the influence of their Kongo neighbors, while remaining stylistically distinct. Numerous types of figural sculptures, which are used in religious ceremonies are carved from wood. Many are painted, and all are adorned with leaves and feathers when used in ceremonies. The Woyo also carve various utilitarian objects, including …
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Yaka

YAKA TYPES OF ART Both mbwoolo sculptures and a type of carved slit drum known as a mukoku are used by ritual specialists. Mukoku help in the divination process, and mbwoolo are used to embody protective medicine. The Yaka also carve numerous masks and headgear for use in initiation and to be worn by traditional leaders. Hair combs and fly whisks often are …
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Zande

The word azande means “the people who possess much land.” This relates to their history as conquering warriors. The Zande migrated during the 18th century from Sudan to the northern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, settling on the banks of the Uele River. They live also in the Central African Republic and the Sudan. …
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