Malawi

The 'warm heart of Africa', Malawi centres on Lake Malawi and the masked Gule Wamkulu dance of the Chewa.

Spirituality & rites Nature & herbalism Music & dance Textile & dress Food & cooking

Knowledge in this place

Gule Wamkulu

Gule Wamkulu

A Chewa secret-society masked dance enacting spirits at funerals and initiations.

Spirituality & rites

Lake Malawi fishing

Lake Malawi fishing

Traditional plank-boat fishing for chambo and usipa in one of the world's richest lakes.

Nature & herbalism

Tchopa dance

Tchopa dance

A Lomwe drum dance of thanksgiving performed at harvests and to ease misfortune.

Chitenje weaving

Chitenje weaving

Printed wrap cloth central to women's dress and household life.

Textile & dress

Nsima

A maize porridge staple paired with fish, beans or leafy relishes.