Southwest of Lake Tanganyika is an area inhabited by the Tabwa people. Consisting of approximately six major clans, the Tabwa population numbered approximately 200,000 people. Tabwa societies survive on agriculture and fishing. Small villages led by chiefs formed the political structure of Tabwa life. There were no important rulers or states. Living at a key crossroads for people, goods and philosophies, the Tabwa people were greatly influenced by different types of people, the slave trade and the ivory trade. Religion has always been fundamental in the lives of many people. Both religion and divination played a role in Tabwa's life. Intuitive in nature, these people seek enlightenment. Tabwa constantly wonders why things happen and how they happen. Divination is essential for finding solutions and help, solving problems and improving situations for the future. Masks are sporadic in Tabwa culture, but are essential for many religious activities and performances. The main purpose of Tabwa bead masks was to seek guidance from spirits through divinatory possession rituals. The object can be said to be a mask due to the prominent facial features, eye holes, and protruding mouth and nose. Another indicator is the cloth tie used to secure the mask to the head. The beads make up the face. The back is made of animal skins and there are feathers to outline the face. This item was most likely sewn together. Vibrance and texture are added through an assortment of materials. The intricate beadwork shows the importance of peace. Its composition is symmetrical with a closed silhouette. Animal skins and feathers draw the eye downward and towards the face. Different designs of triangles, zigzags, lines, stripes and even circles also highlight the face. T...... middle of paper ......understanding. This beaded mask was created in Zambia between the mid-19th and 20th centuries. You can understand the importance of the mask by observing its complexity and the great variety of symbols. Clearly, the Tabwa people were very religious and spiritual. Religion was important to people and the survival of their traditions. If religion had declined with colonial rule, beaded masks and divination would never have become part of their religion. Many traditions are present in religion. Being religiously oriented helps people better understand the meaning of life. The Tabwa people believed that the meaning of life was to give birth. But the infant mortality rate was very high. By residing and having faith in the spirits, they believed that good luck could come to them. The Tabwa people had complex beliefs, but religion was always the focus.