One of the most entertaining examples of Tanzanian folklore for volunteer visitors is the traditional dances, ngomas. Depicting day to day activities, customary traditions, or even a particular traditional event or occasion, these colorful dances are performed with great hair. The Kiswahili word "ngoma" comes from the great drum, which is the main instrument used in any musical accompaniment to the dances. Bare hands or sticks beat out a rhythm for the dancers to follow.
This basic African sound many be enhanced through the use if various other instruments besides the drum. These include flutes, xylophones, whistles, animal horns as trumpets, the marimba, the panjo, or even mango stones tied to the dancers' legs. Dance styles vary from tribe to tribe. The Wa-Makonde vibrate their bottoms in a Sindimba frenzy. The Wa-Zaramo bounce in undulating Mdundiko processions. The unique Wa-Maasai "leaping dance" is accompanied only by the rhythmic chant of their deep voices.
Dance costumes are even frightening to behold. Face paint, spiritual masks, or stilts transforming dancers into walking giant ghosts are all used to great effect.
