One of the most unique aspects of working with rural communities in Malawi and Burkina Faso is experiencing the deep and vibrant cultural traditions that continue to permeate daily life. For example, in Malawi, we are always lucky at gatherings to witness the ancient rituals around dancing with masks. Malawi has a diverse and rich mosaic of tribes and cultures, many with their own masked dancing rituals, the most famous being the 'Gule Wamkulu' of the Chewa people. Masks and costumes are a representation of ancestors’ spirits who have come back to the land of the living. Each mask depicts a different character or message, and the intricate dances are meant to honor and appease these spirits. Masked dancing is such an important part of Malawi's heritage that unesco has even recognized the 'Gule Wamkulu' as a 'Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity'! Here are some rare images of masked dancers from a Sonder Project partner community gathering in the Kasungu distr...