|
Tribe Snapshots Woyo |
| Location: |
Southwestern Congo
(Zaire) |
| Population: |
n/a |
| Language: |
Kiwoyo (Bantu) |
| Neighboring Peoples: |
Solongo, Kongo, Vili,
Yombe |
| 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 pot lids, which serve as an ingenious
means of communication between husband and wife. |
| History: |
Sometime prior to the 15th century, Queen Nwe
led her people, who were to become the Woyo, away
from the Congo (Zaire) cataracts to the general
vicinity of their current location. This first
dynasty was destroyed when the neighboring KiKongo
king permitted his troops to invade and plunder
Woyo communities. It was the King of the Kongo's
sister who founded the second Woyo dynasty. During
the 17th century the Woyo tried to expand northward,
but were stopped before the Congo (Zaire) River
by the Solongo. As disease, drought and slaving
enveloped the region in the 18th century, the
royal power of the Queen witnessed a gradual decline.
Extended families instituted a more egalitarian
system of rule. |
| Economy: |
Living along the coast allows the Woyo to depend
on the sea for much of their food. Men fish in
the ocean, collect coconuts, and make palm wine.
They also practice some hunting and do most of
their own smithing. Women also fish, mostly in
local ponds. They contribute significantly to
the local economy, farming corn, manioc, bananas,
beans, and pineapple. Surplus food is often traded
to inland neighbors for profit under the supervision
of local lineage heads from individual villages. |
| Political Systems: |
Woyo political leaders, who are selected based
on their individual abilities, are usually directly
descended from the family line of the original
Woyo founders. Many of those associated with Woyo
religion, such as priests and diviners, are also
representatives of this noble line, as are blacksmiths
and sculptors. There are many who live in Woyo
communities who are not related to royalty. Those
who migrated into the area are considered freemen,
and are permitted to hold land. |
| Religion: |
The Woyo observe the supreme deity Nzambi Mphungu
who is rarely represented and is almost never
receives prayers. Instead, they pay tribute to
local deities known as nkisi, and various river
spirits, or itobo. The Woyo believe in both sorcery
and witchcraft, and particular respect is given
to priests and diviners who are able to uncover
this type of anti-social behavior. Fire and poison
ordeals are employed to determine the guilt of
those accused. |
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