In the 20th century, bandunga masks were mainly worn at purification rituals and incantations against natural disasters. They also played a role during the funerals of dignitaries, the enthronement of chiefs, and the arrival of important visitors. Each mask had its own name. This specimen was known as mfutshi (‘inertia’ or ‘delay’), a reference to a proverb: ‘He is late because he had to sew his rags together first!’ The proverb refers to people who make excuses to avoid unpleasant situations, as clothes in tatters are impossible to sew well.