Vimbuza Healing Dance

Proclamation: 2005

Member State(s): Malawi

Region: Africa

Associated themes: Rituals and festive events

　　Vimbuza, a healing dance popular among the Tumbuka people living in northern Malawi, is an important manifestation of the institution of ng'oma, a healing complex found throughout Bantu-speaking Africa. Ng'oma (meaning "drums of affliction") carries considerable historical depth and, despite various attempts over the years to suppress it, continues to be a functional part of indigenous healthcare systems.

　　Most patients are women who suffer from various forms of mental illness. They are treated for some weeks or months by renowned healers who run a temphiri, a village house where patients are accommodated. After the concrete diagnosis has been made, patients undergo a specific healing ritual. To this purpose, women and children of the village where the temphiri is located form a circle around the patient who is slowly getting into trance and sing particular songs in which helping spirits are called. The only men taking part are those who beat spirit-specific drum rhythms accompanying the songs and, in some cases, the male healer.