MALAWIAN CHEWA NYAU SOCIETY GULE WAMKULU DANCE MASK. Nyau mask, which is an integral part of the Nyau secret society and its associated Gule Wamkulu dances of the Chewa people in Malawi, Mozambique, and Zambia. Such masks are used in the Gule Wamkulu or "Great Dance," a masked dance performed at various ceremonies including funerals, memorial services, and initiations. The mask represents spirits of animals ("nyama") and ancestors ("mizimu"), and dancers are believed to be possessed by these spirits during performances. Estimate $120-180
