Emblems of the spirits

.

Yohure mask. African tribal art.

.
.
.

Note:

The Yohure masks are considered emblems of the very dangerous spirits. These masks are worn predominantly on two occasions: the celebration and the funeral ceremony. The first purifies the village after a death and helps the deceased's soul on its way to a final resting place. Women may not participate in funeral ceremonies, neither may they look at the masks, for fear that this encounter with death might afect their fecundity. This means that before starting the village’s purification rituals related to a death, for prudence sake the women are gotten out of the way. With the aid of such masks, the people hope to influence supernatural powers, or spirits, that can do harm to humans, but that can also ensure their welfare.

.

.

.