Woyo people are found in the South Western part of the Democratic Republic of Congo. They speak a Bantu language called Kiwoyo. Woyo leaders are selected based on their individual abilities. They usually descended from the original family line of the Woyo founders. Many of those associated with the woyo religion, such as priests and diviners are also representatives of this noble line, as are black smiths and sculptors.
The Woyo living along the coast depend on the sea for much of their food. Woyo men fish in the ocean, collect coconuts and make palm wine. Women also fish in local ponds. They contribute significantly to the local economy and surplus food is often traded to mainland neighbors for profit under supervision of local lineage heads from individual villages. Masks are usually painted with contrasting colors against a white background and are often worn with a full length costume made from banana leaves. The colors used in a Woyo mask have symbolic meaning and are sometimes repainted to renew its power. Woyo masks are carved for the ritual dances of the 'ndunga', a male society responsible for maintaining social order.