Gule Wamkulu is a secret cult practiced by the Chewa in Malawi, Zambia, and Mozambique. The dance was performed by the Nyau Brotherhood, a secret society of initiated men. It was established within the Chewa's traditional matrilineal society, where married men played a marginal role. The Nyau provided a means by which to create solidarity among men from various villages. Nyau members are responsible for initiating young men into adulthood. They are also responsible for performing the Gule Wamkulu at the end of the initiation ceremony to celebrate their integration into adult society.
Nyau dancers typically perform Gule Wamkulu during the summer harvest season, but the dance is also presented at weddings, funerals, and when a chief is installed or dies. These occasions are marked by the Nyau dancers wearing costumes and masks made from wood or straw. They portray wild animals, spirits of the dead, slave traders, as well as more recent figures such as the Honda and the helicopter. Each of these dancers represents a specific, often evil, character. These characters are taught moral and social values, such as how misbehavior can teach people.
Before the Gule Wamkulu dance, the Nyau dancers perform rituals related to their secret brotherhood. The Nyau incorporates codes, riddles, metaphors, myths, and signs associated with the Nyau. When a Nyau mask threatens women or children, they run inside their homes. Masks are only worn by male members of society, as they represent male knowledge. The masked dancers Nyau are considered to be the spirits of the dead during the exhibition and rituals. Since spirits can act with impunity during traditional ceremonies, there have been attacks and deaths during the Nyau dance in Malawi in the past. Nyau dance involves intricate footwork, jumps, acrobatics, mimed fights, and the casting of dust into the air. Dancers are prompted by certain rhythms and drum calls based on the type of mask or character they are portraying.
There is more to the Gule Wamkulu rite than costume and frightening masks. The dance is used to convey a message expressing the unity of the human, animal, and spiritual world. The Gule Wamkulu depicts figurative discourses that address questions about the village and the community. These discourses address issues such as HIV and AIDS or sex that are difficult to talk about. Additionally, the Nyau also can criticize the leaders and the government. They do so through humor and satire, which they employ to make political statements. They have this ability because they are treated as spirits, rather than as humans.
It is believed that Gule Wamkulu has a long history dating back to the sixteenth century Chewa Empire. Despite attempts to ban this practice by Christian missionaries, it managed to survive under British colonial rule by adopting some aspects of Christianity. Consequently, Chewa men tend to be members of Christian churches and Nyau society. However, Gule Wamkulu performances are gradually losing their original function and meaning as they become entertainment for tourists and political purposes.
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