Ndembele of south Africa

The ndembele tribes are considered to be cousins of the Zulu and as such share linguistic similarities.The ndembele are however unique in the expression of their culture and their beliefs.

In traditional ndembele society, illness is believed to be caused by spells or curses.They are considered to be an external force inflicted on an individual and the traditional healer called sugoma is required to battle with those forces using medicine like herbs or throwing bones.All izangoma(men and women)are able to comune with the ancestral spirits.However it is their ability to defeat illness that defines their success or failure.

Both boys and girls go through initiation rites and initiation schools are held every four years.When dembele boys are are about 18years old they are grouped into a regiment or indaga .The regiment is given a name that comes from a cycle of 13 to 15 names depending on the tribe.

For their initiation rites, ndembele girls must wear an array of colorful beaded hoops or izigolwan around their limbs, waist and neck.They are kept in isolation and taught how to become matriarchs and homemakers.To celebrate their ‘coming out’, the izigolwan are traded for hard leather aprons called amaphephetu.

To emphasize the importance of this occasion,relatives and friends gather during the initiation period.They take part in activities and celebrations that make this important event which symbolises transition of a person from childhood to adulthood.

While the ndembele traditions of shamanism and initiation are interesting, what really makes them apart is their unique artistic style.women are responsible for decorating the homestead and often the facade and sides of the buildings are brightly painted with striking geometric patterns filled with color.