Gule wamkulu

Text Box: We invite you to be a patron of a major publication on Gule wamkulu, the ‘great dance’ of the Chewa people of Malawi. The book represents the culmination of more than 30 years of research by Fr Claude Boucher Chisale. As an initiated member of the Nyau secret society, Fr Boucher has been privileged to see and document songs, dances and information that have not previously been revealed to any non-Malawian. This rich cultural heritage is in the process of being lost as Gule wamkulu continues to be pressured by western values and urbanisation. The book will include descriptions of over 200 Gule characters. It will be in full colour and lavishly illustrated with photographs, as well as original artworks by Fr Boucher. For Malawians, this book will be a cultural reservoir from which they can refresh and rediscover the richness of their own cultural heritage and take pride in their cultural roots. For people around the world, it will be a gateway to the spectacle, colour and pedagogy of the Chewa, as demonstrated in one of the world’s most singular cultural expressions. The publisher will be Wits University Press which has established a world wide reputation for the quality of its publications. The target date for release of the book is end 2009.

Text Box: Suggested levels of donation will be acknowledged in the book: Kapoli supporter: Donations $US 100 to 500 Mkango supporter: Donations $US 500 or more: supporter will receive one author-signed copy of the book Njovu supporter: Donations $US 1000 or more: supporter will receive two author signed copies of the book and one of the original artworks by Fr Boucher that will be used as illustrations in the book. Kasiya maliro supporter: Donations $US 5000 or more: supporter will receive four author signed copies of the book and one of the original artworks by Fr Claude Boucher that will be used as illustrations in the book.

‘When animals sing and ghosts dance’

Retired Professor Brian Morris from Goldsmith College in London, UK, has written the foreword of the book. He paid a visit to Kungoni in February 2009.