FROM CHINAMWALI TO CHILANGIZO:

Njobvu (the elephant) is the hub ofthe mkangali ceremony for it represents the spirit of
important chiefs. The elephant nyau comes out only at the mkangali initiation ceremony
or at the funeral of a mkangali chief. During the chinamwali, it appears on the day
before the last day of the ceremony and is offered large amounts of money as a gift.
That is why mkangali chiefs are much respected and feared because they represent very
powerful and influential spirits. The woven structure is covered with sacks and is
painted dark grey with mud. It takes one man in each leg. It is the most complicated
structure to construct and takes time to build.
Chimkoko is another nyau that 'represents a respected ancestor' (Van Breugel
2001:158). Its presence on mkangali symbolizes the solidarity between the dead chief
and the living one. It is called mwini bwalo (owner ofthe ground), for it is made only by
the hosts, not by the visiting nyau. The structure is covered with maize-cob husks. It
takes ten to twelve people inside. It also takes time to build.
Mkango (lion) represents 'a bad spirit who terrifies people' (Van Breugel 2001:159). It
is also nicknamed 'popi' and although it roams around the village almost every day of
the mkangali ceremony, it symbolizes the 'terrible power of the mizimu' who have no
mercy, but can attack and kill. It is covered with sisal or fine grass that looks like hair,
and takes two people, one at the back and one at the front (see Plate 1).
Nkhandwe (wild dogs) are the type ofmasked dancers or zirombo (animals), represent­
ing ziwanda (evil spirits) 'who wander around trying to harm people.' They may attack
a member of any family (Van Breugel 2001:164). They come at night and frighten the
initiates.
Ajere masked dancers represent 'wicked people who kill with evil medicines' (Van
Breugel 2001:165). They wear black masks with white stripes. They walk around car­
rying axes on their shoulders, and usually accompany the njobvu. They also act as mes­
sengers delivering messages between chiefs.
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