PeopleSouthern Africa

Vhavenda

People of the Soutpansberg; domba, the python dance, is theirs.

South Africa

ZimbabweTshivenda

Customs they practice

7 recorded rites, each with its steps and its WHY.

Coming of agemachine draft

Domba · the python dance

The final Venda initiation for young women: for months the cohort gathers at the chief’s place and dances the domba in a long chain, winding like a python to the drum before graduating to marriageable adulthood.

Vhavendafor women

Courtship & marriagemachine draft

Lobola · the bride wealth negotiation

The formal meeting of two families in which the groom’s side presents cattle or money to the bride’s side, joining the clans and dignifying the bride.

Zulu · Xhosa · Ndebele +8

Birth & namingmachine draft

Tshikombo · Birth Celebration

Tshikombo is a celebration that takes place after a child is born, where the mother and child are welcomed back into the community. The ceremony involves the mother and child being cleansed and purified through a ritual bath.

Vhavenda

Faith & ancestorsmachine draft

Madi · Family Ancestor Worship

Madi is a custom where families worship and honor their ancestors, seeking their guidance and protection. The worship is typically done through offerings and sacrifices.

Vhavenda

Community & hospitalitymachine draft

Tshidzimba · Homestead Welcome

Tshidzimba is a custom where visitors are warmly welcomed into a homestead, with a traditional greeting and offering of food and drink. The custom is a sign of respect and hospitality.

Vhavenda

Death & mourningmachine draft

Dinangwe · Funeral Rites

Dinangwe is a custom where the community comes together to mourn and pay respects to the deceased, with traditional funeral rites and ceremonies. The custom is a sign of respect and solidarity with the bereaved family.

Vhavenda

Family & homemachine draft

Khomba · Family Reunion

Khomba is a custom where families come together to reunite and strengthen their bonds, with traditional food, drink, and celebrations. The custom is a sign of love and unity among family members.

Vhavenda

What they eat

4 dishes, what they mean and when they appear.

Staplemachine draft

Isitshwala

A firm, stiff maize porridge, cooked until it holds its shape, torn by hand and used to scoop relish: the daily anchor of the Southern African plate.

Shona · Ndebele · Zulu +5

Street & socialmachine draft

Mopane worms

The dried, spiced caterpillars of the emperor moth, harvested from mopane trees: a high-protein delicacy sold by the handful and cooked into a savoury snack or relish.

Vhavenda · Batswana · Shona +1

Ceremonialmachine draft