Text Box: Namalikhate is a place of great significance for the Chewa people. This is where the ancestral spirits used to come to the river and wash their clothes, using the naturally formed “washing pots” carved and shaped into the rock over time. The spirit world infuses itself into the Malawian landscape, especially its rivers where the spirits would pause to see to domestic chores, bathe and picnic. Local lore suggests that if one approached the river quietly and undetected, they would be rewarded with a glimpse of the spirits. However, the spirits were elusive, as their power grew with their invisibility. Evidence of their presence is the naturally eroded riverside rock formations that appear in the shapes of washing pots. Over the years, the work of wind and rain has immortalised this place. The spirits remain alive in this mystical place: looking over, providing protection and instilling confidence. Today, the river is a meeting place for work and play; the naturally formed washing pots are still in use. Pa Ntondo means “at the mortar”. Malawians use the mortar to pound maize into flour, theirs staple diets. The mortar symbolises the womb of a mother and rebirth. Preparing food and giving birth are fundamental to any woman’s experience. Central to family life, the mortar is seen as a place where the rules of life begin to be passed to the next generation as small children are kept very near to their mother. For Malawians, the early learning of the language and the first exposure to culture begins at the mortar. In Chewa culture, the ceremony of Gule wamkulu is an essential part of community life. The lupanda initiation has a similar role in Yao culture. In both, masks and dances portray moral and social issues. A Gule wamkulu or lupanda character identifies each chalet. They offer reconciliation between divided worlds by bringing together humans, spirits and animals thereby maintaining harmony in the family and the village. Many talented sculptors contributed their original designs and carving expertise to the chalets. Artist Friday Jibu carved all twelve masks found at the entrance of each chalet.

Dining room

Conference room

Chalet

Bedroom

Wall hanging

Text Box: Beautifully designed and built on Kungoni grounds, our 10 twin bed African chalets can accommodate up to 20 guests. The chalets are available to either groups or individuals.

On 26th January, 2005, the Princess of Norway, Her Royal Highness Mette-Marit, came to Kungoni to officially open the Namalikhate Chalets and to enjoy a cultural extravaganza presented by the villagers of the area. The newly constructed Pa Ntondo pa Namalikhate Chalets and Conference Centre were partially funded by the Norwegian Government. The Princess’s visit was part of a countrywide tour of health and cultural institutions. She has expressed her concern about the impact of HIV/AIDS and, with her visit, wanted to emphasise the assistance and commitment of her country in combating this problem.

 

Accompanying the Princess was the Norwegian Ambassador to Malawi, Mr Gunnar Foreland, and over 20 journalists from Norway and Malawi. Some of the other visiting dignitaries included Mgr Kansonkanji from the Diocese of Dedza, T/A Chief Kachindamoto, Hon Chimuthu Banda (Minister of Culture and Sport), Hon Dzanjalimodzi (Member of the Parliament), and members of the Friends of Kungoni.
Text Box: OFFICIAL OPENING OF NAMALIKHATE VILLAGE January 2005

Protective spirits of Namalikhate

Mask of Mwalimu

Rock in the Nadzipokwe River
Text Box: Kungoni Centre of Culture and Art