Ancestor Figure and Spirit Dancers Mixed Media on Canvas Painting

Ancestor Figure and Spirit Dancers represents the ultimate unification of tradition and modernity. The Spirit Dancers, traditionally done by the Nyau (which means mask or initiation) a semi-secret association of men in the Chewa tribe of Malawi, perform the Great Dance, or Gulu Wamkulu,  which usually celebrates important life events like funerals, chieftain initiations, fertility rites, and initiations into adulthood. The Great Dance is continued today by the Chewa people. Though time flows and things change, the Chewa people have held steadfast unto their old traditions and continue to persevere. Are there lessons that larger society can learn from this perseverance exemplified by the Chewa?

Material:

• Mixed media on canvas

Dimension:

• 43 " by 28"

Artist: Aubrey Chali