Alfamawas

Alfamawas is a traditional ceremonial dance and mask tradition of the fictional Merindan people, practiced in the coastal archipelago of Meridia. The performance centers on a procession of masked dancers who wear carved wooden masks, painted in bright colors, and accompanied by percussion and wind instruments. It is performed during the first full moon after the harvest festival and is believed to ensure safe seafaring and bountiful reefs for the year ahead.

Etymology and form: The name Alfamawas is thought to derive from Merindan roots, though exact origins are uncertain. Linguistic analyses suggest that the term may combine elements meaning light or spark and mask or visage, reflecting the dance’s visual emphasis.

History: Alfamawas is documented in written records dating to the 17th century colonial era, but oral tradition traces its origins further back. Historically, the dance has served communal bonding, apprenticeship for younger dancers, and the transmission of local myths through performance.

Contemporary practice: Today Alfamawas is maintained by cultural associations in several Merindan villages. Performances are held at festivals and, in some communities, at visitor centers. While costumes and choreography have diversified, the ritual’s essential sequence and songs are largely preserved, with variations reflecting local styles.

See also: Merindan culture; masked dances; ritual music.