CULTURE
Though under the impact of
modernization, Malawi's traditional culture is characterized by
continuity as well as change, and the traditional life of the
village has remained largely intact. One of the most distinctive
features of Malawi culture is the enormous variety of traditional
songs and dances that use the drum as the major musical instrument.
Among the most notable of these dances are ingoma and gule wa
mkulu for men and chimtali and visekese for women. There are various
traditional arts and crafts, including sculpture in wood and ivory.
There are two museums—the Museum of Malawi in Blantyre and
a smaller one in Mangochi. While various cultural activities are
organized by the Ministry of Youth and Culture, the University
of Malawi Travelling Theatre, and other groups in Blantyre, the
radio from Zomba and Lilongwe has proved to be the most effective
means of bringing traditional and modern plays to the rural population.