FROM CHINAMWALI TO CHILANGIZO:

this function, they are planted again. Normally there is a big tree - in the central area of
the ground and the deterrents are planted about six metres away to the east ofthe tree.
Liunde (The nyau dressing room). A temporary grass structure is built close to the
ground and is used by the nyau dancers as their dressing room when they are perform­
ing. The deterrents are planted inside. Meanwhile the nyau dancers, who are an impor­
tant part of the chinamwali are getting ready at kudambwe (the graveyard). There, for
about a month or two, they have been making the structures, and of course, magical
protection is part ofthe preparations.
Tsimba (The seclusion house). A house is identified as a seclusion house for the initi­
ates. It can be the instructress' or the aunt's house. At the mkangali function, the tsimba
is used mainly for sleeping and the evening meals. The deterrents are planted where the
girls sit and lie.
Mtengo wa Namwali (The initiate's tree). On every mkangali ceremony, a tree that is a
short distance outside the village will be identified as mtengo wa namwali, or mtengo
waukulu (big tree) where the girls spend most of the time during the day and where
most of the instruction and preparations are done for whatever the girls perform later.
Only the tutors, the main anamkungwi and a few other women are allowed at the tree.
My informant took me there on the first day when they were preparing the girls for the
chiwulu-wulu ('flying') ceremony. The deterrents are planted about six metres away
from the tree and that is where the girls are seated. This tree is never to be cut. It is
changed ifit dries, or when the chief dies, then the new chiefchooses another tree.
The main fire. On the eastern side in front of the chiefs house, a spot is chosen, usu­
ally closer to a tree, where the main fire is lighted, and deterrents are planted here. This
fire is said to be the chizimba (activating agent) for all the fires that are made at the
ceremony.
Mwale (1977:153-4) reports that deterrents are used as both defensive and offensive
weapons. Some informants also gave examples ofpeople who had died because oftheir
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