the makonde are renowned for their wood carving and elaborate masks that are commonly used in traditional dances. there are two different kinds of wood carvings. shetani, (evil spirits), which are mostly carved in heavy ebony, tall, and elegantly curved with symbols and nonrepresentational faces. the ujamaa are totem-type carvings which show lifelike faces of people and various figures. theses sculptures are usually called “family trees” because they tell stories of many generations.