Makitshi Mask

Makitshi communities, although living in the northern part of Victoria Falls area of Zimbabwe, originally came from Zambia. The Makitshi are noted for ther mask making and dances, which, like the Makisi pefromances in Zambia, are particularly associated with the initiation of young men. More than eight dances are played, with a lead drum dictating the movements of the dancers. A shaker is also used to guide the masked dancers, as they are not in the 'physical' and normal world. The dancers, as spirits, bring luck and knowledge, and also heal sickness. During the dancing, audiences present their gifts to the spirits, who then bless them.