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- Muhananwa - THE GIANT
- Phuruphuru - THE BACHELOR
- Nyavhulondo - THE OLD MAN
These three shows are basically the same: a large and mysterious figure is seen dancing in the half-light.
The skeleton of Muhananwa is made with a pole and some sticks, and then the head, arms and legs are filled out with grass. When the figure is clothed, its hat is tied on carefully, so that it does not fall off and the novices see the deception.
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Phuruphuru (a bachelor). A 'strange man' dances in among the spectators during the last night of domba at Makuya, 1956. |
Phuruphuru is a 'bachelor' who comes into the courtyard and swaggers around, whereas Nyavhulondo is an old man who keeps his distance. He is said to be the father of Phuruphuru.
There are no lessons or milayo for there shows, but there is a praise couplet for Muhananwa which is sometimes sung as part of domba. |
Vhalovhedzi na Vhahananwa vha ila  ; |
| The Lovhedzi and the Hananwa avoid the river reed; |
Vha ila buka  madini. |
| They avoid the great beast that lives in the water (i.e. the crocodile). |
Muhananwa dances slowly to domba, but Phuruphuru and Nyavhulondo dance more vigorously to Domba Songs Nos. 7 and 8, respectively. |
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