Zimbabwean dancers perform traditional Makishi dance at Old Mutual Theatre, Harare, Zimbabwe, on Oct. 9, 2015. Makishi dance, originally performed at the end of an annual initiation ritual for boys between the ages of eight and twelve in rural Zimbabwe and Zambia, is particularly known for involving beautifully painted masks that represent different spiritual characters. Today, there is an increasing demand for makishi dancers at social gatherings and party rallies, as they are less performed for initiation rituals. The dance was recognized as a UNESCO oral and intangible cultural heritage in 2008. (Xinhua/Xu Lingui)
