Photo, ‘Asking the Ghost to Dance,’ by suttonhoo on Flickr.
Song, ‘Chemutengure’, performed by Dumisani Maraire and Ephat Mujuru from their record, Shona Spirit.
Mbira is required to bring rain during drought, stop rain during floods, and bring clouds when crops are burned by the sun. Mbira is used to chase away harmful spirits, and to cure illnesses with or without a n’anga (traditional diviner/herbalist). Mbira is included in celebrations of all kinds, including weddings, installation of new chiefs, and, more recently, government events such as independence day and international conferences.
Mbira is also required at death ceremonies, and is played for a week following a chief’s death before the community is informed of his passing. At the guva ceremony, approximately one year after a person’s physical death, mbira is used to welcome that individual’s spirit back to the community.
— from Mbira.org’s description of the Role of the Mbira in Shona Culture.
