CÉRÉMONIES MASQUÉES DU PEUPLE CHEWA

The Chewa people of the Eastern Province, around Chipata, are known for their masked ceremonies, including the Gule Wampulu. Created by male secret societies in response to the power of the women of the villages, which was considered too great, they have several objectives: initiation rituals, funeral ceremonies, education, etc. They serve all the needs of Chewa society, at any time, and are often performed by men. They serve all the needs of Chewa society at any time of the year. The multicolored wooden masks used for these occasions are very beautiful.