Info For Y'all Balobedu (Lobedu) People: Due South African Tribe Amongst The Exclusively Famous Pelting Queens
The Balobedu (Ba Lobedu – Ba gaModjadji) are a Bantu tribe of the Northern Sotho group, with strong affinities to the Venda, or Vhavhenda, to the north. They take hold their ain kingdom, inward the district of Balobedu – Limpopo Province – South Africa. The Lobedu Kingdom comprises over 150 villages. Each has a headman who represents the Modjadji, or Rain Queen. The fundamental Lobedu tribal hamlet is Sehlakong.
Sidney Miller, an archeologist of the University of South Africa, excavated the ruins of the master majestic kraal at Lebweng. Archaeological finds include rock foundations in addition to pottery.
Balobedu tribal traditional dancers, Madjaji Northern Province,Limpopo: Balobedu tribal dance: This was taken at bolobedu ha masthwi, bolobedu genuinely way “ho loba” a seat were people lose their daughters in addition to sons. By http://visualuprising.wordpress.com
These ruins also comport resemblance to those discovered at Thulamela close Phafuri inward the far due north of the Kruger National Park, equally good equally the Great Republic of Zimbabwe ruins inward south-eastern Zimbabwe. This lends credibility to the many legends nearly the origins of the Lobedu Kingdom.
Ecology (Natural Environment)
“The master territory of the Bolobedu included the reason situated betwixt the Little Letaba in addition to Great Letaba rivers inward the North in addition to South respectively in addition to the mutual source of the 2 rivers inward the West in addition to their confluence inward the East.” “The habitation of most of the northern Sotho is inward Kingdom of Lesotho in addition to inward South Africa's Free State Province.
There are also many Sotho who hold upwardly inward South Africa's major cities. Kingdom of Lesotho is a mountainous
reason that is completely landlocked inside the borders of South Africa. It has an expanse of nearly 11,700 foursquare miles (about 30,350 foursquare kilometers). The Free State is a highland plain, called a highveld inward South Africa, bordering Kingdom of Lesotho to the West. The eastern department of Kingdom of Lesotho is also a highveld, with plateaus similar to those found inward the American Southwest. The Maloti in addition to Drakensberg mountains are inward the fundamental in addition to western parts of the country. The Drakensberg Mountains shape abrupt cliffs that drib off dramatically to South Africa's KwaZulu-Natal Province. The climate of South Africa is temperate, but the mountains brand for mutual frigidity winters. In winter, snowfall sometimes falls inward the Kingdom of Lesotho highlands.”
Balobedu people dancing. courtesy http://visualuprising.wordpress.com
Myths (Creation)
“According to 1 Sotho tradition, the outset human beingness emerged from a body of body of water of reeds at a seat called Ntswanatsatsi. However, lilliputian is known or said nearly the events of this person's life.”
Language
The Balobedu verbalise Lobedu or “Khilobedu”, which is grammatically similar to both Sesotho in addition to Tshivenda. The Kingdom is situated betwixt the Venda, other North Sotho speaking peoples in addition to the Tsonga-Shangaan. Khilobedu has larn to a greater extent than similar to Sesotho since Sesotho became the linguistic communication of the schools inward the region. However, Balobedu civilization originated to the north, inward what is today Zimbabwe. The linguistic communication contains sounds that do non be inward Sesotho.
HISTORY
RAIN QUEEN - MODJAJI
Modjadji or the “Rain Queen”, is the only traditional ruling queen inward Southern Africa. Historically she was known equally an extremely powerful magician, able to convey pelting to her friends in addition to drought to enemies. Her seat equally paramount ruler is based on this power. Modjadji take hold been feared in addition to respected for centuries. Not a unmarried African Rex would seek her wrath, fearing penalty meant drought. Shaka Zulu sent top emissaries to asking her blessings.
The Modjadji or Rain Queen is the hereditary queen of Balobedu, a people of the Limpopo Province of South Africa. The succession to the seat of Rain Queen is matrilineal, pregnant that the Queen's eldest immature lady is the heir, in addition to that males are non entitled to inherit the throne at all. The Rain Queen is believed to take hold special powers, including the powerfulness to command the clouds in addition to rainfall.
Currently at that spot is no ruling Rain Queen equally the previous Rain Queen died on 12 June 2005.
There are several different stories relating to the creation in addition to history of the Rain Queens of Balobedu. One story states that an old principal inward 16th century Monomotapa (South eastern Zimbabwe), was told past times his ancestors that past times impregnating his daughter, Dzugundini, she would gain rain-making skills. Another story involves a scandal inward the same chief's house, where the chief's boy impregnated Dzugundini. Dzugundini was held responsible in addition to was forced to flee the village. Dzugundini ended upwardly inward Molototsi Valley, which is inward the nowadays 24-hour interval Balobedu Kingdom. The hamlet she established with her loyal followers was ruled past times a Mugudo, a manlike somebody leader, but the peace in addition to harmony of the hamlet was disrupted past times rivalries betwixt different families, in addition to hence to pacify the land, the Mugudo impregnated his ain immature lady to restore the tribe's matrilineal tradition. She gave nascency to the outset Rain Queen known equally Modjadji which means; "ruler of the day".
The 2d Rain Queen, Masalanabo Modjadji is said to take hold been the inspiration for H. Rider Haggard's novel, She: Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 History of Adventure.
According to custom, the Rain Queen must shun world functions, in addition to tin only communicate with her people through her manlike somebody councillors. Every Nov she presides over the annual Rainmaking ceremony at her majestic chemical compound inward Khetlhakone Village.
Visitors to the expanse e'er brought Modjadji gifts in addition to tribute, including cattle in addition to their daughters equally wives, to appease her so that she would convey pelting to their regions. The custom is allied to an emphasis on fertility of the reason in addition to the population. The hollo Lobedu is thought to derive from the practice, referring to the daughters or sisters who were lost to their families. The Rain Queen extends her influence through her wives, because they link her politically to other families or villages. Her condition equally marrying women does non appear to signal lesbianism, but rather the queen’s unique powerfulness to command others.
During the Mfecane, which took seat inward the early on 19th century, Modjadji moved her tribe farther southward into the fertile Molototsi Valley, where they founded the nowadays 24-hour interval Kingdom.
Mfecane – Lifaqane – Difaqane
According to custom, the Queen must abstain from world functions, creating a mysticism fuelled past times isolation. Modjadji cannot exit her kraal in addition to really few people exterior her majestic hamlet take hold seen her. She communicates to her people via her manlike somebody councillors in addition to hamlet headmen in addition to chiefs. Annual rainmaking ceremonies are meant to pick out seat every yr at her majestic compound. The Royal Kraal is is located close Modjadjiskloof (Mujaji Kloof), formerly Duiwelskloof.
The largest in addition to oldest cycads inward the world at Limpopo
What the queen does to evoke pelting is a affair enshrouded inward the greatest secrecy. It is doubtful that anyone other so the queen is inward possession of the secrets equally they are leap upwardly with the championship in addition to powerfulness to succeed to the throne. The secrets are e'er imparted to the successor merely prior to the expiry of the chief, via a tradition of suicide. When a principal dies, her trunk is left for some days inward the hut so that when rubbed inward a for certain way, the peel falls away. The peel is kept in addition to later on added with many other ingredients to mehago pelting pots. From fourth dimension to fourth dimension a dark sheep is killed, to hold upwardly washed with H2O into these magical pots, but it is said that this is merely a modern 24-hour interval substitute for a human being, usually a child, whose brains were used for the washing. The mehago pots are never seen past times the public.
She is non supposed to wed but has many "wives", equally they are referred to inward the Balobedu language. These are non spouses inward the usual sense of the word; equally a queen regnant she has the equivalent of majestic courtroom servants, or ladies-in-waiting), sent from many villages all over the Balobedu Kingdom. These wives were selected past times The Queen's Royal Council in addition to inward full general are from the households of the dependent area chiefs. This ritual of "bride giving" is strictly a shape of diplomacy to ensure loyalty to the Queen.
The Rain Queen's mystical pelting making powers are believed to hold upwardly reflected inward the lush garden which surrounds her majestic compound. Surrounded past times parched land, her garden contains the world's largest cycad trees which are inward abundance nether a spectacular pelting belt. One species of cycad, the Modjadji cycad, is named after the Rain Queen.
The Rain Queen is a prominent figure inward South Africa, many communities respecting her seat and, historically, attempting to avoid conflict inward deference thereto. Even Shaka Zulu of Zululand sent his top emissaries to inquire her for her blessings. The 5th Rain Queen, Mokope Modjadji maintained cordial relations with Nelson Mandela.
The Rain Queen has larn a figure of interest, she in addition to the majestic establishment becoming a important tourist attraction contributing to the South African economy. The Rain Queen was offered an annual authorities civil list. The stipend was also expected to aid defray the costs of preserving the cycad trees found inward the Rain Queen's gardens.
The Rain Queen's official mates are chosen past times the Royal Council so that all of her children volition hold upwardly of dynastic status, from which futurity pelting queens may descend. However the Rain Queens are non expected to remain inward exclusive relations with these partners. In the past, the Rain Queen was only allowed to take hold children past times her closed relatives.
Perhaps uniquely, the Balobedu crown descends according to woman somebody primogeniture: The Queen's eldest immature lady is e'er her successor, hence the championship of Rain Queen is usually passed from woman parent to daughter. It is said that the Queen ingests poisonous substance when she is close expiry so that her immature lady volition assume the crown to a greater extent than quickly. Lately, however, many traditions take hold been abandoned, influenced past times Christian missionaries. Because Makobo's daughter, Princess Masalanabo, was fathered past times a commoner, traditionalists are non probable to pick out her equally the rightful successor to the throne. Therefore at that spot are worries that the 400-year old Rain Queen dynasty may hold upwardly coming to an end. No novel Rain Queen has been enthroned since Makobo died.
Makobo's blood brother Prince Mpapatla has been designated Regent for Masalanabo. However Mpapatla has a immature lady past times his cousin, a adult woman from the majestic Modjadji line, in addition to a grouping of members of the Royal Council has indicated a preference for Mpapatla's immature lady to succeed equally Rain Queen. Mpapatla, however, has insisted that his tardily sister's kid Princess Masalanabo volition hold upwardly enthroned equally the side past times side Queen when she turns 18.
Modjaji Kraal,Limpopo
Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 manlike somebody branch of the extended majestic clan has also petitioned the South African President to restore the manlike somebody occupation of the Balobedu majestic solid which reigned earlier 1800. This entreaty is considered unlikely to hold upwardly granted, inasmuch equally the Rain Queen heritage is recognised equally a national cultural legacy in addition to involvement inward it has stimulated important tourist trade.
MASELEKWANE MODJAJI I (1800-54)
The kid who became the outset Modjadji was known equally Maselekwane Modjadji I. She lived inward consummate seclusion, deep inward the wood where she practiced secretive rituals to brand rain. In 1855 she committed ritual suicide.
MASALANABO MODJADJI (1854 to 1894)
Masalanabo Modjadji II (died 1894) was the 2d Rain Queen of the South African Balobedu tribe. Masalanabo reigned from 1854 to 1894. She was preceded past times Rain Queen Maselekwane Modjadji I in addition to succeeded past times Rain Queen Khetoane Modjadji III.
During the native "location policies" of the early on 1890s, Commandant-General Piet Joubert (1834–1900) surrounded the Rain Queen's habitation until she was forced to give herself up. Historian Louis Changuion wrote that, 'It would hold upwardly the outset fourth dimension that white people would consider the Rain Queen.' However, what happened was non what they had expected. 'After 4 days,' Changuion continues, 'an old wrinkled dark adult woman was carried out on a litter, accompanied past times her principal indunas, to negotiate with the white people. It was a slap-up disappointment to the men watching the proceedings – of "She-who-must-be-obeyed" at that spot was no trace. She was non the white adult woman of the legends. It is told that Joubert presented her with a "kappie" (bonnet) in addition to a blanket.'
Lobedu Rain Danced
According to the mass Realm of a rain-queen, however, Joubert was shown non the existent Rain Queen, but an impersonator. Masalanabo Modjadji is said to hold upwardly the inspiration for H. Rider Haggard's novel, She: Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 History of Adventure.
Because Masalanabo Modjadji was barren, the majestic council designated the immature lady of her "sister" in addition to "great wife" Leakhali equally heir to the throne. Masalanabo committed ritual suicide inward 1894.
KHESETOANE MODJADI III (1869 – 1959)
Khesetoane Modjadji III (1869 – 1959) became the 3rd Rain Queen from the South African Balobedu tribe of the South African Limpopo Province. Khesetoane reigned from 1895 to 1959. She was preceded past times Rain Queen Masalanabo Modjadji in addition to succeeded past times Rain Queen Makoma Modjadji.
In 1894 her predecessor, Masalanabo Modjadji, committed ritual suicide. Khesetoane was the immature lady of Masalanabo's "sister" in addition to became the heir because Masalanabo's council had already designated it earlier Masalanabo's death.
MAKOMA MODJAJI IV (1905 – 1980)
Rain Queen Makoma Modjadji IV (1905 – 1980) was the 4th Rain Queen of the Balobedu tribe of the Limpopo Province of South Africa, succeeding her mother, Khetoane Modjadji inward 1959 in addition to reigning until her death. Breaking from tradition she married Andreas Maake, with whom she had several children. She was succeeded past times her eldest immature lady Mokope Modjadji.
Rain Queen Makoma Modjadji IV (1905 – 1980)
MOKOPE MODJAJI V (1936 – 28 June 2001)
Mokope Modjadji V (1936 – 28 June 2001) was the 5th Rain Queen of the Balobedu tribe inward the Limpopo Province of South Africa from 1981 until her expiry inward 2001.
Mokope Modjadji was really traditional inward her role equally Rain Queen. She lived inward seclusion inward the Royal Compound inward Khetlhakone Village in addition to followed all the customs the Rain Queens were expected to follow.
Mokope Modjadji met in addition to became goodness friends with the so President of South Africa Nelson Mandela. They outset met at a coming together inward 1994 in addition to fifty-fifty so Mr. Mandela could only verbalise to Mokope through the traditional intermediary. It was said that Mokope was the only somebody to take hold kept Mr. Mandela waiting (except the rather volative Laurent Kabila of the Democratic Republic of the Congo).
Later they became ameliorate friends after Mr. Mandela bought the Rain Queen a Japanese Sedan to aid her go upwardly the steep roads to her Royal Compound. He was so able to run into her inward somebody in addition to when asked nearly the Rain Queen Mr. Mandela said that similarly to Queen Elizabeth II, Queen Modjadji did non response questions.
On other political fronts, Queen Mokope did non back upwardly the thought of an ANC authorities equally she believed that its anti-traditional ideas would dilute her authority. However in 1 trial the ANC came to power, they treated the Rain Queen with respect, likely because her hamlet was a large source of income due to tourism, equally good equally the fact that her gardens acted equally parks to save the large abundance of cycad trees that grew there. She was fifty-fifty offered an annual salary.
Mokope Modjadji had 3 children, in addition to her designated successor was Princess Makheala. Mokope died inward 2001, when she was 65, 2 days after her immature lady Makheala had died. Therefore Makheala's immature lady Makobo became the side past times side Rain Queen. Mokope's son, Prince Masopha Edwin Modjadji died inward August 2005.
RAIN QUEEN MAKOBO CONSTANCE MODJAJI VI (1978 – 12 June 2005)
Makobo Modjadji VI (1978 – 12 June 2005) was the sixth inward a occupation of the Balobedu tribe's Rain Queens. It is said that Makobo Modjadji had the powerfulness to command the clouds in addition to rivers. Makobo was crowned on sixteen Apr 2003 at the historic menstruum of 25 after the expiry of her predecessor in addition to grandmother, Queen Mokope Modjadji. This made her the youngest Queen inward the history of the Balobedu tribe.
Makobo was the immature lady of Princess Makheala in addition to was the only Rain Queen to hold upwardly formally educated. She was crowned Rain Queen inward 2003, 2 years after the expiry of her woman parent Makheala in addition to the previous Rain Queen, her grandmother Mokope Modjadji. Her mother, the designated successor, had died 2 days earlier Mokope Modjadji had died, hence Makobo was selected equally the side past times side Rain Queen. On the 24-hour interval of the coronation, a slight drizzle roughshod which was interpreted equally a goodness omen. The coronation was an elaborate ceremony but it is believed that Makobo accepted the crown reluctantly.
Although respected for her abilities in addition to lineage, Makobo was seen equally also modern to hold upwardly the side past times side Rain Queen, which may take hold been why at that spot was such a long delay earlier she was crowned. Custom dictated that pelting queens hold upwardly reclusive lives, hidden inward the majestic kraal with the majestic 'wives'. Makobo Modjadji, however, liked to have on jeans in addition to T-shirts, see nearby discos, scout lather operas in addition to chat on her prison theatre cellular telephone phone.
Modjadji also had a boyfriend, David Mogale, who was believed to take hold fathered her 2d child. He is the old municipal managing director of Greater Letaba Municipality. He is also rumoured to take hold moved into the Royal Compound to hold upwardly with her. This caused slap-up contestation with the Royal Council equally the Rain Queen is only ever supposed to mate with nobles who the Royal Council themselves chose. Therefore Mogale was banned from the village, in addition to the Rain Queen's 2 children take hold never been recognised past times the Council.
Death in addition to conspiracy
On the 10 June Makobo was admitted into the Polokwane Medi-Clinic with a then-undisclosed affliction in addition to died 2 days later on at the historic menstruum of 27.
There is a lot of contestation surrounding the tardily Rain Queen's death. Some villagers believe she died from a broken pump when her lover David Mogale was banned from the Royal Village past times the Royal Council to pose in addition to halt to their honey affair. Mogale himself claims that the Royal Council poisoned Makobo equally they saw her unfit to handgrip the much-revered seat of Rain Queen, in addition to this was the easiest way to take hold her removed. Hospital staff believed she died of AIDS whilst others are concerned with the disappearance of Makobo's brother, Mpapatia, in conclusion seen on the 24-hour interval of Makobo's death.
Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 give notice broke out inward the local chief's solid where Makobo's coffin was beingness kept earlier her funeral. The give notice was extinguished earlier Makobo's coffin suffered whatsoever damage, but the trial seemed to arouse to a greater extent than suspicions of foul play surrounding Makobo's death. Officially Makobo died of chronic meningitis.
End of a Dynasty?
There has non been a novel Rain Queen chosen since Makobo died. Because Makobo’s daughter, Princess Masalanabo, is fathered past times a commoner, the traditionalists are non probable to pick out her equally the rightful heiress to the Rain Queen Crown. Therefore, at that spot are worries that the 200 yr old Rain Queen dynasty may take hold come upwardly to an end.
Economy
Agriculture is their major economical activity, with corn (maize), millet, squash, in addition to peanuts (groundnuts) cultivated past times hoe. Animal husbandry is a secondary way of nutrient production. Cattle are also a shape of currency inward some social in addition to economical transactions, in addition to inward many mutual daily activities beer is traditionally used to brand compensation. For the Lovedu the accumulation of goods is frowned upon, in addition to make is consumed rather than marketed.
Main refined saccharify staples: “The economic scheme was based on...the tillage of grains such equally sorghum.”
“Staple foods are corn (maize), eaten inward the shape of a thick paste, in addition to bread.”
Main protein-lipid sources: “Beef, chicken, in addition to mutton (lamb) are pop meats, spell milk is often drunkard inward soured form.”
Sexual segmentation of production
“In Sotho tradition, the human is considered the caput of the household. Women are defined equally farmers in addition to bearers of children. Family duties are also organized into distinct domains based on gender for all Sotho...” hildren, her hubby in addition to her woman parent inward police from her fields. Each fourth dimension she cooks she sends nutrient to her hubby in addition to to his mother. What is left must hold upwardly returned to her ‘house’ unless the hubby himself gives it to the herd-boys or other children equally a group.”
Balobedu people of South Africa
“In add-on to having her ain granaries in addition to cooking utensils, every married adult woman has a correct to get upwardly livestock. She may maintain chickens; she may larn goats past times the telephone substitution of her produce; she may larn pigs past times feeding other people’s pigs inward telephone substitution for a pigling. She may fifty-fifty larn cattle if she is a doctor.”
Balobedu women: Balobedu tribal dance: This was taken at bolobedu ha masthwi, bolobedu genuinely way “ho loba” a seat were people lose their daughters in addition to sons.
Land tenure
“The economic scheme of the Lobedu is a subsistence 1 based mainly on agriculture in addition to stock-raising supplemented past times migrant project inward European areas. Land for tillage is allotted to individuals past times the district head. Once allocated, fields are inherited inward the manlike somebody occupation in addition to cannot hold upwardly taken away so long equally they are inward effective use.”
Life History, mating, marriage
Most Lobedu used to engaged inward polygynous marriage. Currently “most Lobedu who are non Christian take hold to a greater extent than than 1 wife.” “Polygynous marriages (more than 1 wife) are non uncommon with the elite, but they are rare with commoners.”
Arrangement of polygynous households
“Control over stuff resources also plays an of import component subdivision inward the construction of the polygynous domestic grouping with its economically independent ‘houses’ so characteristic of the Lobedu. As caput of the menage unit of measurement the hubby has total command over all menage unit of measurement resources. Yet each married adult woman forms with her children a unit of measurement of production in addition to consumption, the independence of which equally against other ‘houses’ has to hold upwardly respected fifty-fifty past times the husband, whose command becomes limited the minute he marries a 2d wife.”
Bride purchase/dowry
“In cases where a human has received cattle on the ‘security’ of a little girl...the creditor also hands over cattle a 2d fourth dimension when the immature lady comes to hold upwardly married...the Lobedu usually quote the saying ‘mobula ndo oa nywala’–the opener or establisher of a solid pays spousal human relationship cattle’, i.e., every immature lady commands a bride-price.”
“Marriages are arranged past times transfer of bohadi (bride wealth) from the menage unit of measurement of the groom to the menage unit of measurement of the bride.”
Inheritance patterns
“Each married adult woman has her ain fields which it is her duty to cultivate for the needs of her ‘house.’ On her expiry her sons take hold outset correct to inherit her fields unless their begetter wants to work them for himself or conform for their tillage to render nutrient for the younger children; but they may non hold upwardly used for the do goodness of whatsoever other ‘house.’” “A immature lady may hold upwardly given her deceased mother’s land to cultivate spell she is soundless inward her parental home, but she cannot inherit it.” “...a married adult woman may, in addition to often does, larn fields from her ain people to cultivate.
The deviation betwixt these fields in addition to those given past times her husband’s people is that the latter are hers equally a correct in addition to are inherited past times her sons; the old she obtains through the goodwill of her bloodkin in addition to on her expiry they revert dorsum to them unless the children are soundless immature in addition to the fields are needed to feed them.”
Divorce
“The work of a woman’s bride-price past times her brother, in addition to the involvement which his cattle-linked sis has inward maintaining this ‘house’ inward which her boy volition uncovering a wife, made divorce hard inward the old days. Today, however, partly owing to migrant labour, divorce is to a greater extent than mutual in addition to girls, especially inward the illustration of arranged marriages with old men or cross-cousins, quite oft run away to a lover either earlier or after the spousal human relationship knowing that they cannot whatsoever longer hold upwardly forced to return. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 render of the bride-price is non e'er insisted upon...When at that spot are complicated cattle claims a husband, especially he is already old, may uncovering it wiser non to press for a divorce if the married adult woman absconds.”
“The dominion inward Lobedu divorce was, inward the old days, that the husband’s menage unit of measurement should have dorsum the total bride-price summation all increase, irrespective of where the blame lay, inward accordance with the saying ‘mosila mobe o boya le noto ea hwe – fifty-fifty the bad workman (husband) returns with his tools.’ The children went with their woman parent to her people in addition to when she remarried, the novel hubby had a correct to all of them.”
“With European direction came the introduction of the Pedi thought that a human has a claim to both the cattle in addition to the children inward the illustration of malicious desertion. Old men inward the 1930s called this a white man’s law; today people are claiming it equally a Lobedu custom.”
Preferential category for spouse
“This want to maintain hold upwardly the links betwixt blood brother in addition to sis in addition to to maintain in addition to renew spousal human relationship limks with women of the lineage from 1 generation to some other is really strong. The spousal human relationship of a adult woman at her father’s sister’s (i.e., mother’s brother’s immature lady marriage) is called ‘ho dsosa moloko’–to awaken or renew relationship. There are several variations of mother’s brother’s immature lady spousal human relationship that arise from or are leap upwardly with obligations connected with cattle...If inward the illustration of a cattle-linked blood brother in addition to sister, the latter has a immature lady but no boy who could wed her brother’s daughter, she might, rather than interruption the link with her blood brother in addition to allow her hubby to work the cattle to create novel links with strangers, nevertheless, with the
understanding in addition to consent of her husband, mitt over her daughter’s bride-price to her blood brother so that he tin wed a 2d married adult woman in addition to constitute a ‘house’ from which her immature lady may claim a adult woman later on to wed her boy in addition to to ‘come in addition to create for her’.”
“Besides spousal human relationship with the mother’s mother’s brother’s daughter, other variations of mother’s brother’s immature lady marriages are found, such equally spousal human relationship with the mother’s brother’s son’s immature lady (one generation below), with the father’s mother’s brother’s immature lady or fifty-fifty with a father’s mother’s brother’s son’s daughter.”
“The same vogue is nowadays inward Lobedu polygyny where the sororate is really popular. Most Lobedu who are non Christians take hold to a greater extent than than 1 wife. But it volition almost e'er hold upwardly found that at to the lowest degree 1 is a sis or younger relative of 1 of the other wives.
Patterns of descent (e.g., bilateral, matrilineal) for for certain rights, names or associations
“...the Lobedu are a patrilineal people inward the sense that a human belongs to his father’s lineage,
belongings is inherited inward the manlike somebody line, in addition to spousal human relationship is patrilocal.” “Dating was non component subdivision of traditional Sotho life. Marriages were arranged betwixt families, in addition to a immature lady could hold upwardly betrothed inward childhood. Nowadays, most people selection their mates.”
Balobedu people: Balobedu tribal dance: This was taken at bolobedu ha masthwi, bolobedu genuinely way “ho loba” a seat were people lose their daughters in addition to sons. Courtesy http://visualuprising.wordpress.com
Socio-Political organisation in addition to interaction
Political system: (chiefs, clans etc, wealth or condition classes)
“It (the Balobedu population) is essentially a federation of smaller groups united past times their mutual alliance to the queen. The political powerfulness resides inward the minority grouping descended from the master Balobedu with the bush grunter equally totem. The bulk is descended from immigrants of different Northern Sotho in addition to Shangaan tribes. These take hold largely assimilated with the fundamental minority grouping culturally, although retaining their master totems. The tribal designation is Balobedu ba gaModjadji, in addition to the fundamental tribal hamlet is Sehlakong inward the district of Balobedu.”
“The shape of authorities is that of a fundamental authorization with the queen equally the caput of province in addition to spatially defined political units which, each nether a headman, savour a considerable grade of autonomy. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 large proportion of these districts inward which the reason is divided are ruled past times the descendants of master sections of the nuclear group; a few take hold been allocated past times alien groups nether their ain headmen spell some are held past times majestic women, batanoni or ‘wives’ of the queen.
Many districts at nowadays held past times commoners originated from batanoni but since women do non succeed 1 some other equally heads of districts these take hold been inherited past times their sons of husbands given to them past times the queen. Royal wives (batanoni) are of various kinds. Some are of majestic blood, daughters of closed relatives of the queen to whom they take hold been given equally a token of homage (ho loba). Only these are laid upwardly past times the queen equally rulers over districts...Other majestic wives are the daughters of district heads, spell a number are daughters of unusual chiefs who come, sometimes with cattle, sometimes with coin or a immature lady to loba the queen for rain.
Once a adult woman from inside the tribe has been accepted past times the queen equally a majestic wife, the necktie is renewed
from generation to generation on the pattern of cross-cousin marriage. Men may offering a immature lady to the queen also inward render for, or inward the expectation of, economical aid or political favour...and at that spot is a vogue today for districts to hold upwardly subdivided into smaller in addition to smaller units to satisfy the political aspirations of ambitious subjects. Royal wives bind to the queen non only her closest relatives but most of the of import people inward the tribe. Some wives are given away inward spousal human relationship to her councillors, relatives in addition to district headmen. Some remain with her in addition to take hold allocated lovers. Children of these latter telephone yell upwardly the queen ‘father’ in addition to she is responsible for helping them to marry.”
“The Lobedu proper appear originally to take hold regarded themselves equally an aristocracy but today it is only the majestic lineage (ba Mohale) in addition to a number of of import Lobedu heads that are looked upwardly to. Many non-Lobedu lineages have, past times virtue of spousal human relationship links through majestic wives, a higher condition in addition to are to a greater extent than closely related to the queen than sections of Lobedu themselves. The gild is remarkably egalitarian in addition to at that spot is no concentration of wealth inward the hands of the ruling group. Nor would this hold upwardly piece of cake inward a tribe inward which the limited resources inward belongings (in cattle) are used primarily for, in addition to are constantly beingness converted into, spousal human relationship alliances.”
Post-marital residence:
“Upon marriage, a adult woman is expected to exit her menage unit of measurement to hold upwardly with the menage unit of measurement of her husband.”
Territoriality ; “Traditionally, then, belongings is of value to the Lobedu only inward so far equally it tin hold upwardly consumed or
meets an immediate demand on the 1 mitt or, on the other, is used for creating in addition to maintaining social relationships.”
Sex divisions inward politics: Here Lovedu women, dissimilar their Southern Sotho counterparts, play an of import role inward menage unit of measurement affairs in addition to world administration, often holding positions of office. Indeed, 4 out of 5 recent Lovedu rulers were women. Consequently, argues Kuper, linked brother-sister ties are predominant inward Lovedu society, equally are corresponding relations betwixt agnates in addition to the father’s sister. This relationship, he notes, is reflected inward kinship terminology, which tends to underline the ‘relatively greater condition of women on Lobedu society.’”
Village in addition to solid organization
“Lobedu homesteads vary inward size in addition to composition from a typical minimum of a married human with his mother, wife, in addition to children to a grouping of half-brothers, their mothers, wives, children in addition to grandchildren, soundless living together after the expiry of the father. Very often other relatives, such equally a widowed sis in addition to her children, a maternal relative or an affine of the caput are to hold upwardly found living inward the homestead. But these are the to the lowest degree stable elements in addition to tend to displace away inward a brusk time.
Though little units continuously hive off, in addition to at that spot is a goodness bargain of modify inward the little homesteads of to a greater extent than recent immigrants or where a migrant labourer hubby has never returned, the Lobedu homestead is on the whole, especially inward the illustration of the principal boy in addition to his descendants, a remarkably stable unit. Over a menstruum of 30 years most of the larger homesteads known to me take hold remained inward the same seat or been rebuilt a few hundred yards from the old site after the expiry of their head.”
Specialized hamlet structures (mens’ houses)
“Family life for many rural Sotho has been disrupted for generations past times migrant labor. Today, many Sotho men go on to hold upwardly inward all-male housing units provided past times the gold-miningcompanies that employ them. With the halt of apartheid, some of the families previously separated past times the old project laws at nowadays hold upwardly together inward urban areas.”
Social organization, clans, moieties, lineages, etc
“The Sotho take hold clans, many of which comport beast names, such equally the Koena (crocodile). These clans stress descent through the father's side, but at that spot is flexibility inward defining clan membership. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 characteristic of Sotho kinship was that a somebody was allowed to wed a cousin (ngwana wa rangoane) who was a fellow member of the same clan.”
Religion (animism, ancestor worship, deism, magic, totems etc.)
“The tribe is made upwardly of a large number of different totemic groups, Lion, Elephant, Crocodile, Wild Pig, none of which, non fifty-fifty the majestic Lobedu totem, is confined to the Lobedu tribe.”
The Rabothada dancers were called magôgôbya. They had magnificent costumes with headdresses surmounted past times beast figures, with underskirts trailing the basis to create a dramatic effect.
“The supreme beingness that the Sotho believe inward is most commonly referred to equally Modimo. Modimo is approached through the spirits of one's ancestors, the balimo, who are honored at ritual feasts. The ancestral spirits tin convey sickness in addition to misfortune to those who forget them or process them disrespectfully. The Sotho traditionally believed that the evils of our world were the outcome of the malevolent actions of sorcerers in addition to witches.”
Ritual/Ceremony/Religion (RCR)
Specialization (shamans in addition to medicine)
The most powerful religious leaders inward Balobedu gild are their pelting queens, who are believed to take hold powers over the atmospheric condition in addition to other natural phenomena. “The Balobedu of Modjadji...are renowned for their woman somebody rulers, the mystical pelting queens. It is traditionally accepted that the Balobedu queen has the powers of rainmaking in addition to is soundless regarded equally the most famous rainmaker on the subcontinent. Fear of her powers has e'er restrained both internal opposition in addition to whatsoever assault from outside. Even the mighty Shaka, Rex of the amaZulu, treated her with slap-up abide by in addition to paid her tribute. The pelting queen Modjadji soundless is the focal point
in addition to strength of the Kingdom.”
“The rain-making powers of their queen, enhanced past times the mystery in addition to secrecy of her ritual seclusion, attracted many accretions from various tribal groups from surrounding areas who sought peace in addition to security...For enemies feared to assault the Lobedu queen lest they hold upwardly visited past times drought in addition to locusts.”
“ Traditionally the pelting queen was expected, inward her old age, to transcend on her secrets to her successor in addition to so to commit ritual suicide. Missionaries to interruption this tradition prevailed upon Modjadji III, who came inward powerfulness inward 1896, in addition to she died of old historic menstruum inward Feb 1959, aged eightysix. Although some of the traditional customs take hold larn obsolete, the sacred drums may soundless hold upwardly heard on special occasions, in addition to when the Balobodu appear earlier their queen, they soundless do so barefooted in addition to inward a kneeling position. To her people Modjadji is soundless a mystical ruler whose powers in addition to wellness are vital to the nation. As inward bygone years, she is soundless held inward high esteem equally pelting queen of the Balobedu tribe.”
“The listing of wild animals believed to take hold medicinal in addition to curative properties is long...the pangolin is considered to hold upwardly a peculiarly strong medicine past times the Lobedu tribe inward north-eastern Transvaal.”
‘Witchcraft in addition to Sorcery:’ There is a distinction betwixt ‘day witches’ (sorcerers), in addition to nighttime witches. The (day) wizard utilizes ‘natural, known powers of medicine for anti-social ends,’ spell the (night) witch utilizes evil powers beyond ordinary understanding.”
Passage rituals (birth, death, puberty, seasonal)
Vhawhera initiates masked inward grass in addition to reed larn into the stockaded upper-case missive of the alphabet of the Lobedu people, ha-Modjadji, South Africa. (Greg Marinovich) horizontal color slide. 1989.
“Initiation for girls (bale) also involves seclusion, but the ritual huts of the bale are by in addition to large located close the village. Bale have on masks in addition to goat-skin skirts, in addition to they smear their bodies with a chalky white substance. They sometimes may hold upwardly seen equally a grouping close the homes of relatives, singing, dancing, in addition to making requests for presents. Among some clans, the girls are subjected to tests of hurting in addition to endurance. After the menstruum of seclusion the initiates, at nowadays called litswejane, have on cowhide skirts in addition to anoint themselves with ruddy ocher. Initiation for girls does non involve whatsoever surgical operation.”
“When someone dies, the whole community takes component subdivision inward the burial. Speeches are made at the graveside past times friends in addition to relatives, in addition to the adult men pick out turns shoveling soil into the grave. Afterward, all those inward attendance go equally a grouping to launder their hands. There may also hold upwardly a funeral feast.”
Other Rituals
“Interpreting aspects of the construction of Lovedu society, social anthropologists Krige in addition to Krige claim that natural monastic tell with Sotho-speakers inward the north-eastern Transvaal part of South Africa is premised upon the supposition that ‘cosmic forces’ are controllable events. Hence, they seat 4 methods whereby the Lovedu command natural phenomena: First, vunaga, is the skilled work of impersonal powerfulness believed to hold upwardly inherently concentrated inward persons in addition to objects. The vunaga is a ‘medico-magical’ exercise performed past times an skilful MD (ngaka) in addition to applied inward the interests of wellness in addition to well-being.
“...evil is symbolically represented past times ‘heat’ or ‘burning’ (leswa). Indeed, estrus is perceived to announce a disturbance caused past times negative events such equally abortions in addition to miscarriages. ‘Cooling‘ medicines, such equally the burying of dead fetuses inward moisture soil, past times contrast, are considered effective mechanisms for realigning social imbalance.”
Cultural stuff (art, music, games)
“Sotho traditional music places a strong emphasis on grouping singing, chanting, in addition to mitt clapping is an accompaniment to dance. Instruments used included drums, rattles, whistles, in addition to handmade stringed instruments. One instrument, the lesiba, is made from a pole, a string, in addition to a feather. When it is blown, the plumage acts equally a reed, producing a deep, resonant sound.”
Balobedu tribal dance: This was taken at bolobedu ha masthwi, bolobedu genuinely way “ho loba” a seat were people lose their daughters in addition to sons. Courtesy http://visualuprising.wordpress.com
“Generations of mine project take hold led to a distinct migrant-worker subculture inward Lesotho. This subculture developed its ain vocal in addition to trip the lite fantastic toe traditions. Some types of mine dances take hold synchronized high-kicking steps. One vocal tradition, difela, has lyrics relating the travels, loves, in addition to viewpoints of the migrant workers. Other pop music inward Sotho includes trip the lite fantastic toe tunes played past times little groups on drums, accordions, in addition to guitars.”
SOURCE:http://dice.missouri.edu/docs/niger-congo/Sotho.pdf
http://www.ezakwantu.com/Tribe
Rain songs in addition to the observance of the pelting cult amongst
the Lobedu people of Queen Modjadji1
Annekie Joubert
The majestic nucleus of the Lobedu descends from 1 of the Rozwi states that gained prominence inward the southern component subdivision of the old Karanga empire. The Lobedu people hold upwardly inward the Limpopo Province below the Drakensberg escarpment close Duiwelskloof. For the past times half dozen generations they take hold had woman somebody rulers, all bearing the dynastic championship ‘Modjadji’, the legendary ‘Rain Queen’. According to Hammond-Tooke (1993), the southern Bantu take hold been living nether the dominion of various chiefs since at to the lowest degree 800AD.
Rain Dance of Balobedu people
The coming of chieftainship transformed the essential nature of these societies because for certain persons were accorded authorization to brand decisions on behalf of individuals in addition to the grouping equally a whole. According to Hammond-Tooke (1993:65), the only way to safeguard this authorization was through ritual, ‘by article of apparel the chieftainship inward mystical sections to ensure, equally far equally possible, compliance with this novel political (or governmental) authority’. To attain the adherence to chieftainship:
• the concept of majestic blood was developed, where ‘blood’ is metaphorically linked to descent in addition to a segmentation created betwixt royalty in addition to commoners
• a sacredness was created around the principal in addition to a mystical link betwixt the somebody of the principal in addition to the chiefdom equally a whole. Hammond-Tooke (1993:65) points out that ‘in its extreme shape this meant that the wellness in addition to strength of the ruler could influence the weather, crops in addition to full general wellbeing of human in addition to beast’. He mentions Modjadji, the Rain Queen, equally an illustration of this sort of sacredness where it was expected of her to commit ritual suicide after the 4th initiation schoolhouse of her reign to attain divine status
• the condition of chiefs must hold upwardly protected past times strong medicines to ward off witchcraft, sorcery, assassination in addition to assault from other, antagonistic chiefdoms
• the integrity of chieftainship is ensured past times the sacra, possession of which was the ultimate legitimization of
the ruler. These could hold upwardly inward the shape of sacred heirlooms, medicines or, equally inward the illustration of Modjadji, the sacred rainmaking beads, or the sacred pelting drums used during rainmaking rituals.
The Lobedu people are surrounded past times the Shangaan-Tsonga people to the east, the Pedi to the south, the Venda to the north, in addition to several other tribes to the west. Contact in addition to influx from the Sotho groups inward the southeast had a important influence on Lobedu civilization from the mid-eighteenth century onwards. Tsonga refugees, on the other hand, entered the Lobedu expanse from nearly 1840 (as recorded inward 1 of the pelting songs that volition hold upwardly discussed), but remained segregated subjects inside Lobedu territory. An interesting dot is that despite the credence past times the Lobedu of Shangaan-Tsonga elements of stuff culture, a slap-up separate exists betwixt the 2 cultural configurations. According to Krige in addition to Krige (1943:313), they have:
"different views equally regards sex, morality, different spousal human relationship patterns, different conceptions of the hierarchy
of historic menstruum in addition to the seat of women, they bargain differently with the province of affairs of death, with rainmaking,
display, in addition to regimentation, and, whereas the social groupings are totemic with the Lovedu, they are
non-totemic with the Shangana-Tonga."
Because of their diplomacy, reputation equally rainmakers, in addition to strategic seat inward the mountains, the Lobedu were the most influential tribe inward the Lowveld betwixt the Levubu in addition to the Olifants rivers. The disturbances of the nineteenth century had only a slight effect on the Lobedu because of their well-protected sanctuary inward the mountains. Unlike other chiefs, Modjadji did non depend on an regular army to maintain peace, stability in addition to political integrity inward her territory. She accomplished this through her ritual seat equally rainmaker in addition to through spousal human relationship ties. Her enemies were afraid of attacking her, because the consequences to her attackers were drought in addition to famine.
The Lobedu pelting cult
The pelting cult with the Lobedu consists of an intricate network of customs with consequences for many aspects of tribal life. The lives in addition to functions of private members inward the tribe are closely intertwined with pelting – the indispensable chemical ingredient for human survival. Irregularities inward the community, such equally the nascency of twins, an abortion or a miscarriage, children or animals with deformities, in addition to unrecognized corpses of dogs are thought to take hold an effect on the rain. In these cases, the children or animals take hold to hold upwardly killed in addition to buried inward moist soil, in addition to for certain rites take hold to hold upwardly performed inward monastic tell to forbid a terrible drought.
Numerous pelting making rituals are also observed for agricultural purposes. Schapera in addition to Goodwin (1953:136) dot out that ‘various of import taboos (e.g. on the cutting of for certain trees) must hold upwardly observed past times the whole community during the early on component subdivision of the rainy season, lest drought, hail, or some similar disaster destroy the immature crops’. The Lobedu also possess sacred rainmaking objects such equally pelting beads, pelting horns containing pelting medicine, in addition to pelting pots filled with holy H2O – kept inward secrecy inward a pelting hut that is inward closed proximity to the queen’s residence.
It is believed that the Lobedu work the trunk dirt in addition to peel of deceased queens equally component subdivision of the rainmaking medicine. Krige (quoted past times Eiselen & Schapera, 1953:266), describes this procedure equally follows:
"On the expiry of the queen, which is kept hugger-mugger for a whole year, the trunk is washed every 24-hour interval in addition to the
dirt is made to autumn into an earthenware basin. This is done until all the peel comes off, in addition to only so is
the principal buried. This peel is pose into the pelting pots."
The souls of deceased persons larn the ancestral spirits of the Lobedu, in addition to are regarded equally their most intimate ‘gods’ (badimo) who human activity equally intermediaries betwixt the living in addition to the spiritual world. According to Eiselen in addition to Schapera (1953:250), the ancestral gods are:
"exclusively interested inward the affairs of their ain menage unit of measurement in addition to tribe, in addition to without their aid in addition to guidance
their living descendants cannot promise to flourish. As long equally the moral code is strictly followed, they
confer blessings in addition to abundance; but if offended past times whatsoever breach of custom, they tin also post drought,
cattle plague, tribal or personal disaster, sickness or death."
Unless sorcery is involved, the misfortunes of a community are ‘almost e'er attributed to the intervention of some offended or neglected ancestor, whose spirit must hold upwardly propitiated earlier relief tin hold upwardly expected’ (Eiselen & Schapera, 1953:252). Many of the rainmaking rites take hold a magical equally good equally a religious grapheme because magic in addition to religion, according to Eiselen in addition to Schapera (1953:247), are closely inter-related inward belief in addition to practice. For example, ‘when sacrifices are made to the ancestor gods, the meat eaten past times the worshippers is often “doctored” with medicines equally protection against witchcraft’.
When studying the collection of texts documented past times Eiselen inward the 1920s with various dialect groups such equally the Kopa, Pedi in addition to Lobedu, 1 gets the impression that an supposition does be with some tribes that a supreme beingness closely related to the heaven exists:
"Ge komelelo e godile vasadi va tla tshela metzi kua levitleng la kgoshi le vzhalwa vzho vontzhi. Vzhalwa
vsho ge vo tshelwa levitleng vo vitzhwa metzi. Ge va tshela va volela va re: Modimo o lego godimo a o
fe o lego fase metzi (Eiselen, 1923:23).
‘When the drought worsens, the women volition pour out H2O in addition to huge quantities of beer on the graves of
the chiefs. The beer that is poured on the graves is also called water. As they pour out the beer they utter:
“God, yous who are above, give the god below water!”’ (Own translation).
Considering the corpus of literature on the Supreme Being (Modimo) inward the Sotho organized religious belief on the other hand, 1 becomes aware of the influence caused past times encounters with Christian missionaries in addition to the extreme difficulty to ‘disentangle the strands of Christian in addition to traditional discourse nearly Modimo’ (Chidester, 1997:278). In a personal interview conducted with the tardily Queen Modjadji V inward 1996, she confessed that her rainmaking powers could hold upwardly attributed to the grace of the Christian God in addition to the powers of her ancestral gods.
Observance of the Lobedu pelting cult
According to tradition, the Lobedu must detect the pelting cult at all times. Either the pelting queen or the principal should hold upwardly approached inward times of drought, since the whole tribe acknowledges the queen’s ancestors equally a source of communal good beingness in addition to prosperity. The Lobedu queen is, inward the words of Krige in addition to Krige (1943:271):
"primarily non a ruler, but a rain-maker, in addition to men rely for their security, non on regimentation, armies,
in addition to organization, but on the queen’s powerfulness to brand pelting for the people in addition to to withhold pelting from its
enemies."
Although the queen assumes total responsibleness for pelting in addition to fertility, it should hold upwardly pointed out that she e'er has a rain-doctor (moroka wa pula) who co-operates with her, equally all rainmaking rituals take hold a political grapheme that is linked to the good beingness of the tribe’s polity. For example, equally a in conclusion resort the rain-doctor volition reveal to the queen the forces that forbid her powers from working properly, in addition to take away these forces. Krige in addition to Krige (1943:275) province that ‘the queen tin command pelting only “in understanding with her ancestors” who are able, if they wish, to remain her mitt merely equally she herself is able to remain the hands of rain-doctors’. Specially prepared beer has a sacred significance inward the observance of the Lobedu pelting cult in addition to is regarded equally the ‘ritual nutrient of the ancestors’. The queen is non only regarded equally the ‘transformer of the clouds’, but also equally the modifier of the seasons in addition to the guarantor of their cyclic regularity. Huskisson (1958:150) points out that the queen is inward possession of pelting horns (dinaga ja bula) filled with medicine (dithugula). According to Huskisson, the medicine is burnt to make smoke which rises upwardly inward the air to clit in addition to make the required clouds for pelting to fall. Rain is supposed to autumn equally long equally the horns are placed on the ground, but when they are hung up, the atmospheric condition clears in addition to the heaven becomes dry. The queen’s rainmaking powerfulness takes continuous aid of her people inward times of severe drought equally good equally inward goodness seasons. According to Lobedu interlocutors, the queen’s emotional province affects her rainmaking powers.
When she feels upset, sad, dissatisfied or angry, her powers are reduced in addition to her piece of work is less successful.
There are various ways of approaching Queen Modjadji for rain. Councillors whom she holds inward high esteem
or of import relatives may approach her inward person; district heads may pay tribute to her (ho lova) inward the shape of money, cattle or gifts; dancing groups tin see her ‘to evoke her compassion at the sorrowful sight of people dancing inward summertime when they ought to hold upwardly ploughing’ (Krige & Krige, 1943:272). After cooking nutrient for their families, married women would gather at the majestic kraal every morning time for upwardly to a calendar week to lova (pay tribute to) their queen with dances to arouse her compassion or to convey her joy. The slap-up hardship that this dancing entails for nursing mothers who take hold no fourth dimension to feed their babies is thought to melt the pump of the queen. The music used during the pelting dancing performances consists of lesugu songs, which are also ‘sung at the annual harvest ceremony, on the expiry of of import majestic people, in addition to at the girls’ initiation school’ (Krige & Krige, 1943:273).
According to the performers of the songs that I documented, a deviation exists betwixt multi-functional rain
songs in addition to mono-functional or proper pelting songs.
• Multi-functional pelting songs tin include loba songs, which refer to songs that are sung to pay homage to the
queen. The verb ho loba/ho lobela way to pay respect, tribute or allegiance to somebody past times giving gifts. The next illustration is used inward Ziervogel in addition to Mokgokong’s Northern Sotho lexicon (1975:766) to explain the pregnant of the verb: ditšhaba tše ntšhi di lobela pula ga Motšatši (many tribes pay tribute to Modjadji for rain).
• Mono-functional or proper pelting songs (lesugu) are usually sung concurrently with the dancing of a special
trip the lite fantastic toe called the legobathele. These dances are regarded equally the most acclaimed dancing for rain. Krige and
Krige (1943:272) depict this trip the lite fantastic toe equally follows:
It is to a greater extent than dignified, its movements slower in addition to to a greater extent than stately, in addition to its drumming to a greater extent than subdued than in
an ordinary gosha. Only 2 drums are used, in addition to none but those who take hold lost at to the lowest degree 1 parent may
perform, in addition to it is begun inward the dim lite of the dawn earlier sunrise, when, after a brusk spell, it stops and
is resumed later on inward the day. (http://repository.up.ac.za)
Sidney Miller, an archeologist of the University of South Africa, excavated the ruins of the master majestic kraal at Lebweng. Archaeological finds include rock foundations in addition to pottery.
Balobedu tribal traditional dancers, Madjaji Northern Province,Limpopo: Balobedu tribal dance: This was taken at bolobedu ha masthwi, bolobedu genuinely way “ho loba” a seat were people lose their daughters in addition to sons. By http://visualuprising.wordpress.com
These ruins also comport resemblance to those discovered at Thulamela close Phafuri inward the far due north of the Kruger National Park, equally good equally the Great Republic of Zimbabwe ruins inward south-eastern Zimbabwe. This lends credibility to the many legends nearly the origins of the Lobedu Kingdom.
Lobedu tribal traditional dancers, Madjaji Northern Province,Limpopo
Ecology (Natural Environment)
“The master territory of the Bolobedu included the reason situated betwixt the Little Letaba in addition to Great Letaba rivers inward the North in addition to South respectively in addition to the mutual source of the 2 rivers inward the West in addition to their confluence inward the East.” “The habitation of most of the northern Sotho is inward Kingdom of Lesotho in addition to inward South Africa's Free State Province.
There are also many Sotho who hold upwardly inward South Africa's major cities. Kingdom of Lesotho is a mountainous
reason that is completely landlocked inside the borders of South Africa. It has an expanse of nearly 11,700 foursquare miles (about 30,350 foursquare kilometers). The Free State is a highland plain, called a highveld inward South Africa, bordering Kingdom of Lesotho to the West. The eastern department of Kingdom of Lesotho is also a highveld, with plateaus similar to those found inward the American Southwest. The Maloti in addition to Drakensberg mountains are inward the fundamental in addition to western parts of the country. The Drakensberg Mountains shape abrupt cliffs that drib off dramatically to South Africa's KwaZulu-Natal Province. The climate of South Africa is temperate, but the mountains brand for mutual frigidity winters. In winter, snowfall sometimes falls inward the Kingdom of Lesotho highlands.”
Balobedu people dancing. courtesy http://visualuprising.wordpress.com
Myths (Creation)
“According to 1 Sotho tradition, the outset human beingness emerged from a body of body of water of reeds at a seat called Ntswanatsatsi. However, lilliputian is known or said nearly the events of this person's life.”
Language
The Balobedu verbalise Lobedu or “Khilobedu”, which is grammatically similar to both Sesotho in addition to Tshivenda. The Kingdom is situated betwixt the Venda, other North Sotho speaking peoples in addition to the Tsonga-Shangaan. Khilobedu has larn to a greater extent than similar to Sesotho since Sesotho became the linguistic communication of the schools inward the region. However, Balobedu civilization originated to the north, inward what is today Zimbabwe. The linguistic communication contains sounds that do non be inward Sesotho.
HISTORY
RAIN QUEEN - MODJAJI
Modjadji or the “Rain Queen”, is the only traditional ruling queen inward Southern Africa. Historically she was known equally an extremely powerful magician, able to convey pelting to her friends in addition to drought to enemies. Her seat equally paramount ruler is based on this power. Modjadji take hold been feared in addition to respected for centuries. Not a unmarried African Rex would seek her wrath, fearing penalty meant drought. Shaka Zulu sent top emissaries to asking her blessings.
Princess Ga-Kgosigadi Makobo, 25, was crowned equally Rain Queen in addition to enthroned inward her majestic palace due east of Polokwane inward the Ga-Modjadji district. In accordance with tradition, it rained at the inauguration of Queen Modjadji VI, ruler of the Bolobedu people, in addition to the only woman somebody monarchy inward Africa. Pic: Sydney Seshibedi. 11/4/03. © ST.
The Modjadji or Rain Queen is the hereditary queen of Balobedu, a people of the Limpopo Province of South Africa. The succession to the seat of Rain Queen is matrilineal, pregnant that the Queen's eldest immature lady is the heir, in addition to that males are non entitled to inherit the throne at all. The Rain Queen is believed to take hold special powers, including the powerfulness to command the clouds in addition to rainfall.
Currently at that spot is no ruling Rain Queen equally the previous Rain Queen died on 12 June 2005.
There are several different stories relating to the creation in addition to history of the Rain Queens of Balobedu. One story states that an old principal inward 16th century Monomotapa (South eastern Zimbabwe), was told past times his ancestors that past times impregnating his daughter, Dzugundini, she would gain rain-making skills. Another story involves a scandal inward the same chief's house, where the chief's boy impregnated Dzugundini. Dzugundini was held responsible in addition to was forced to flee the village. Dzugundini ended upwardly inward Molototsi Valley, which is inward the nowadays 24-hour interval Balobedu Kingdom. The hamlet she established with her loyal followers was ruled past times a Mugudo, a manlike somebody leader, but the peace in addition to harmony of the hamlet was disrupted past times rivalries betwixt different families, in addition to hence to pacify the land, the Mugudo impregnated his ain immature lady to restore the tribe's matrilineal tradition. She gave nascency to the outset Rain Queen known equally Modjadji which means; "ruler of the day".
The 2d Rain Queen, Masalanabo Modjadji is said to take hold been the inspiration for H. Rider Haggard's novel, She: Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 History of Adventure.
According to custom, the Rain Queen must shun world functions, in addition to tin only communicate with her people through her manlike somebody councillors. Every Nov she presides over the annual Rainmaking ceremony at her majestic chemical compound inward Khetlhakone Village.
Visitors to the expanse e'er brought Modjadji gifts in addition to tribute, including cattle in addition to their daughters equally wives, to appease her so that she would convey pelting to their regions. The custom is allied to an emphasis on fertility of the reason in addition to the population. The hollo Lobedu is thought to derive from the practice, referring to the daughters or sisters who were lost to their families. The Rain Queen extends her influence through her wives, because they link her politically to other families or villages. Her condition equally marrying women does non appear to signal lesbianism, but rather the queen’s unique powerfulness to command others.
During the Mfecane, which took seat inward the early on 19th century, Modjadji moved her tribe farther southward into the fertile Molototsi Valley, where they founded the nowadays 24-hour interval Kingdom.
Modjadji, South Africa Apr 8, 1998. Queen Modjadji V, or to a greater extent than commonly know equally the Rain Queen, dozed off spell sitting on the flooring of her habitation during an interview. Queen Modjadji is the traditional leader of the Lobedu people of South Africa's Northern Province. Her reign inward South Africa is famous because she in addition to her predecessors are said to take hold been able to brand rain. Queen Modjadji was feared past times all the kings of Southern Africa. No one, non fifty-fifty King Shaka Zulu, would take chances her wrath in addition to her people were left alone. Photo past times Lori Waselchuk/South Photographs
Mfecane – Lifaqane – Difaqane
According to custom, the Queen must abstain from world functions, creating a mysticism fuelled past times isolation. Modjadji cannot exit her kraal in addition to really few people exterior her majestic hamlet take hold seen her. She communicates to her people via her manlike somebody councillors in addition to hamlet headmen in addition to chiefs. Annual rainmaking ceremonies are meant to pick out seat every yr at her majestic compound. The Royal Kraal is is located close Modjadjiskloof (Mujaji Kloof), formerly Duiwelskloof.
The largest in addition to oldest cycads inward the world at Limpopo
What the queen does to evoke pelting is a affair enshrouded inward the greatest secrecy. It is doubtful that anyone other so the queen is inward possession of the secrets equally they are leap upwardly with the championship in addition to powerfulness to succeed to the throne. The secrets are e'er imparted to the successor merely prior to the expiry of the chief, via a tradition of suicide. When a principal dies, her trunk is left for some days inward the hut so that when rubbed inward a for certain way, the peel falls away. The peel is kept in addition to later on added with many other ingredients to mehago pelting pots. From fourth dimension to fourth dimension a dark sheep is killed, to hold upwardly washed with H2O into these magical pots, but it is said that this is merely a modern 24-hour interval substitute for a human being, usually a child, whose brains were used for the washing. The mehago pots are never seen past times the public.
She is non supposed to wed but has many "wives", equally they are referred to inward the Balobedu language. These are non spouses inward the usual sense of the word; equally a queen regnant she has the equivalent of majestic courtroom servants, or ladies-in-waiting), sent from many villages all over the Balobedu Kingdom. These wives were selected past times The Queen's Royal Council in addition to inward full general are from the households of the dependent area chiefs. This ritual of "bride giving" is strictly a shape of diplomacy to ensure loyalty to the Queen.
The Rain Queen's mystical pelting making powers are believed to hold upwardly reflected inward the lush garden which surrounds her majestic compound. Surrounded past times parched land, her garden contains the world's largest cycad trees which are inward abundance nether a spectacular pelting belt. One species of cycad, the Modjadji cycad, is named after the Rain Queen.
The Rain Queen is a prominent figure inward South Africa, many communities respecting her seat and, historically, attempting to avoid conflict inward deference thereto. Even Shaka Zulu of Zululand sent his top emissaries to inquire her for her blessings. The 5th Rain Queen, Mokope Modjadji maintained cordial relations with Nelson Mandela.
The Rain Queen's official mates are chosen past times the Royal Council so that all of her children volition hold upwardly of dynastic status, from which futurity pelting queens may descend. However the Rain Queens are non expected to remain inward exclusive relations with these partners. In the past, the Rain Queen was only allowed to take hold children past times her closed relatives.
Perhaps uniquely, the Balobedu crown descends according to woman somebody primogeniture: The Queen's eldest immature lady is e'er her successor, hence the championship of Rain Queen is usually passed from woman parent to daughter. It is said that the Queen ingests poisonous substance when she is close expiry so that her immature lady volition assume the crown to a greater extent than quickly. Lately, however, many traditions take hold been abandoned, influenced past times Christian missionaries. Because Makobo's daughter, Princess Masalanabo, was fathered past times a commoner, traditionalists are non probable to pick out her equally the rightful successor to the throne. Therefore at that spot are worries that the 400-year old Rain Queen dynasty may hold upwardly coming to an end. No novel Rain Queen has been enthroned since Makobo died.
Makobo's blood brother Prince Mpapatla has been designated Regent for Masalanabo. However Mpapatla has a immature lady past times his cousin, a adult woman from the majestic Modjadji line, in addition to a grouping of members of the Royal Council has indicated a preference for Mpapatla's immature lady to succeed equally Rain Queen. Mpapatla, however, has insisted that his tardily sister's kid Princess Masalanabo volition hold upwardly enthroned equally the side past times side Queen when she turns 18.
Modjaji Kraal,Limpopo
Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 manlike somebody branch of the extended majestic clan has also petitioned the South African President to restore the manlike somebody occupation of the Balobedu majestic solid which reigned earlier 1800. This entreaty is considered unlikely to hold upwardly granted, inasmuch equally the Rain Queen heritage is recognised equally a national cultural legacy in addition to involvement inward it has stimulated important tourist trade.
MASELEKWANE MODJAJI I (1800-54)
The kid who became the outset Modjadji was known equally Maselekwane Modjadji I. She lived inward consummate seclusion, deep inward the wood where she practiced secretive rituals to brand rain. In 1855 she committed ritual suicide.
MASALANABO MODJADJI (1854 to 1894)
Masalanabo Modjadji II (died 1894) was the 2d Rain Queen of the South African Balobedu tribe. Masalanabo reigned from 1854 to 1894. She was preceded past times Rain Queen Maselekwane Modjadji I in addition to succeeded past times Rain Queen Khetoane Modjadji III.
During the native "location policies" of the early on 1890s, Commandant-General Piet Joubert (1834–1900) surrounded the Rain Queen's habitation until she was forced to give herself up. Historian Louis Changuion wrote that, 'It would hold upwardly the outset fourth dimension that white people would consider the Rain Queen.' However, what happened was non what they had expected. 'After 4 days,' Changuion continues, 'an old wrinkled dark adult woman was carried out on a litter, accompanied past times her principal indunas, to negotiate with the white people. It was a slap-up disappointment to the men watching the proceedings – of "She-who-must-be-obeyed" at that spot was no trace. She was non the white adult woman of the legends. It is told that Joubert presented her with a "kappie" (bonnet) in addition to a blanket.'
Lobedu Rain Danced
According to the mass Realm of a rain-queen, however, Joubert was shown non the existent Rain Queen, but an impersonator. Masalanabo Modjadji is said to hold upwardly the inspiration for H. Rider Haggard's novel, She: Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 History of Adventure.
Because Masalanabo Modjadji was barren, the majestic council designated the immature lady of her "sister" in addition to "great wife" Leakhali equally heir to the throne. Masalanabo committed ritual suicide inward 1894.
KHESETOANE MODJADI III (1869 – 1959)
Khesetoane Modjadji III (1869 – 1959) became the 3rd Rain Queen from the South African Balobedu tribe of the South African Limpopo Province. Khesetoane reigned from 1895 to 1959. She was preceded past times Rain Queen Masalanabo Modjadji in addition to succeeded past times Rain Queen Makoma Modjadji.
Rain Queen Khesetoane Modjadji III (1869 – 1959)
In 1894 her predecessor, Masalanabo Modjadji, committed ritual suicide. Khesetoane was the immature lady of Masalanabo's "sister" in addition to became the heir because Masalanabo's council had already designated it earlier Masalanabo's death.
MAKOMA MODJAJI IV (1905 – 1980)
Rain Queen Makoma Modjadji IV (1905 – 1980) was the 4th Rain Queen of the Balobedu tribe of the Limpopo Province of South Africa, succeeding her mother, Khetoane Modjadji inward 1959 in addition to reigning until her death. Breaking from tradition she married Andreas Maake, with whom she had several children. She was succeeded past times her eldest immature lady Mokope Modjadji.
Rain Queen Makoma Modjadji IV (1905 – 1980)
MOKOPE MODJAJI V (1936 – 28 June 2001)
Mokope Modjadji V (1936 – 28 June 2001) was the 5th Rain Queen of the Balobedu tribe inward the Limpopo Province of South Africa from 1981 until her expiry inward 2001.
Mokope Modjadji was really traditional inward her role equally Rain Queen. She lived inward seclusion inward the Royal Compound inward Khetlhakone Village in addition to followed all the customs the Rain Queens were expected to follow.
Mokope Modjadji met in addition to became goodness friends with the so President of South Africa Nelson Mandela. They outset met at a coming together inward 1994 in addition to fifty-fifty so Mr. Mandela could only verbalise to Mokope through the traditional intermediary. It was said that Mokope was the only somebody to take hold kept Mr. Mandela waiting (except the rather volative Laurent Kabila of the Democratic Republic of the Congo).
Later they became ameliorate friends after Mr. Mandela bought the Rain Queen a Japanese Sedan to aid her go upwardly the steep roads to her Royal Compound. He was so able to run into her inward somebody in addition to when asked nearly the Rain Queen Mr. Mandela said that similarly to Queen Elizabeth II, Queen Modjadji did non response questions.
On other political fronts, Queen Mokope did non back upwardly the thought of an ANC authorities equally she believed that its anti-traditional ideas would dilute her authority. However in 1 trial the ANC came to power, they treated the Rain Queen with respect, likely because her hamlet was a large source of income due to tourism, equally good equally the fact that her gardens acted equally parks to save the large abundance of cycad trees that grew there. She was fifty-fifty offered an annual salary.
Rain Queen Mokope Modjadji V (1936 – 28 June 2001)
Mokope Modjadji had 3 children, in addition to her designated successor was Princess Makheala. Mokope died inward 2001, when she was 65, 2 days after her immature lady Makheala had died. Therefore Makheala's immature lady Makobo became the side past times side Rain Queen. Mokope's son, Prince Masopha Edwin Modjadji died inward August 2005.
RAIN QUEEN MAKOBO CONSTANCE MODJAJI VI (1978 – 12 June 2005)
Makobo Modjadji VI (1978 – 12 June 2005) was the sixth inward a occupation of the Balobedu tribe's Rain Queens. It is said that Makobo Modjadji had the powerfulness to command the clouds in addition to rivers. Makobo was crowned on sixteen Apr 2003 at the historic menstruum of 25 after the expiry of her predecessor in addition to grandmother, Queen Mokope Modjadji. This made her the youngest Queen inward the history of the Balobedu tribe.
Rain Queen Makobo Constance Modjadji VI (1978 – 12 June 2005)
Makobo was the immature lady of Princess Makheala in addition to was the only Rain Queen to hold upwardly formally educated. She was crowned Rain Queen inward 2003, 2 years after the expiry of her woman parent Makheala in addition to the previous Rain Queen, her grandmother Mokope Modjadji. Her mother, the designated successor, had died 2 days earlier Mokope Modjadji had died, hence Makobo was selected equally the side past times side Rain Queen. On the 24-hour interval of the coronation, a slight drizzle roughshod which was interpreted equally a goodness omen. The coronation was an elaborate ceremony but it is believed that Makobo accepted the crown reluctantly.
Although respected for her abilities in addition to lineage, Makobo was seen equally also modern to hold upwardly the side past times side Rain Queen, which may take hold been why at that spot was such a long delay earlier she was crowned. Custom dictated that pelting queens hold upwardly reclusive lives, hidden inward the majestic kraal with the majestic 'wives'. Makobo Modjadji, however, liked to have on jeans in addition to T-shirts, see nearby discos, scout lather operas in addition to chat on her prison theatre cellular telephone phone.
Modjadji also had a boyfriend, David Mogale, who was believed to take hold fathered her 2d child. He is the old municipal managing director of Greater Letaba Municipality. He is also rumoured to take hold moved into the Royal Compound to hold upwardly with her. This caused slap-up contestation with the Royal Council equally the Rain Queen is only ever supposed to mate with nobles who the Royal Council themselves chose. Therefore Mogale was banned from the village, in addition to the Rain Queen's 2 children take hold never been recognised past times the Council.
Death in addition to conspiracy
On the 10 June Makobo was admitted into the Polokwane Medi-Clinic with a then-undisclosed affliction in addition to died 2 days later on at the historic menstruum of 27.
There is a lot of contestation surrounding the tardily Rain Queen's death. Some villagers believe she died from a broken pump when her lover David Mogale was banned from the Royal Village past times the Royal Council to pose in addition to halt to their honey affair. Mogale himself claims that the Royal Council poisoned Makobo equally they saw her unfit to handgrip the much-revered seat of Rain Queen, in addition to this was the easiest way to take hold her removed. Hospital staff believed she died of AIDS whilst others are concerned with the disappearance of Makobo's brother, Mpapatia, in conclusion seen on the 24-hour interval of Makobo's death.
Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 give notice broke out inward the local chief's solid where Makobo's coffin was beingness kept earlier her funeral. The give notice was extinguished earlier Makobo's coffin suffered whatsoever damage, but the trial seemed to arouse to a greater extent than suspicions of foul play surrounding Makobo's death. Officially Makobo died of chronic meningitis.
End of a Dynasty?
There has non been a novel Rain Queen chosen since Makobo died. Because Makobo’s daughter, Princess Masalanabo, is fathered past times a commoner, the traditionalists are non probable to pick out her equally the rightful heiress to the Rain Queen Crown. Therefore, at that spot are worries that the 200 yr old Rain Queen dynasty may take hold come upwardly to an end.
Economy
Agriculture is their major economical activity, with corn (maize), millet, squash, in addition to peanuts (groundnuts) cultivated past times hoe. Animal husbandry is a secondary way of nutrient production. Cattle are also a shape of currency inward some social in addition to economical transactions, in addition to inward many mutual daily activities beer is traditionally used to brand compensation. For the Lovedu the accumulation of goods is frowned upon, in addition to make is consumed rather than marketed.
Main refined saccharify staples: “The economic scheme was based on...the tillage of grains such equally sorghum.”
“Staple foods are corn (maize), eaten inward the shape of a thick paste, in addition to bread.”
Main protein-lipid sources: “Beef, chicken, in addition to mutton (lamb) are pop meats, spell milk is often drunkard inward soured form.”
Sexual segmentation of production
“In Sotho tradition, the human is considered the caput of the household. Women are defined equally farmers in addition to bearers of children. Family duties are also organized into distinct domains based on gender for all Sotho...” hildren, her hubby in addition to her woman parent inward police from her fields. Each fourth dimension she cooks she sends nutrient to her hubby in addition to to his mother. What is left must hold upwardly returned to her ‘house’ unless the hubby himself gives it to the herd-boys or other children equally a group.”
Balobedu people of South Africa
“In add-on to having her ain granaries in addition to cooking utensils, every married adult woman has a correct to get upwardly livestock. She may maintain chickens; she may larn goats past times the telephone substitution of her produce; she may larn pigs past times feeding other people’s pigs inward telephone substitution for a pigling. She may fifty-fifty larn cattle if she is a doctor.”
Balobedu women: Balobedu tribal dance: This was taken at bolobedu ha masthwi, bolobedu genuinely way “ho loba” a seat were people lose their daughters in addition to sons.
Land tenure
“The economic scheme of the Lobedu is a subsistence 1 based mainly on agriculture in addition to stock-raising supplemented past times migrant project inward European areas. Land for tillage is allotted to individuals past times the district head. Once allocated, fields are inherited inward the manlike somebody occupation in addition to cannot hold upwardly taken away so long equally they are inward effective use.”
Life History, mating, marriage
Most Lobedu used to engaged inward polygynous marriage. Currently “most Lobedu who are non Christian take hold to a greater extent than than 1 wife.” “Polygynous marriages (more than 1 wife) are non uncommon with the elite, but they are rare with commoners.”
Arrangement of polygynous households
“Control over stuff resources also plays an of import component subdivision inward the construction of the polygynous domestic grouping with its economically independent ‘houses’ so characteristic of the Lobedu. As caput of the menage unit of measurement the hubby has total command over all menage unit of measurement resources. Yet each married adult woman forms with her children a unit of measurement of production in addition to consumption, the independence of which equally against other ‘houses’ has to hold upwardly respected fifty-fifty past times the husband, whose command becomes limited the minute he marries a 2d wife.”
Bride purchase/dowry
“In cases where a human has received cattle on the ‘security’ of a little girl...the creditor also hands over cattle a 2d fourth dimension when the immature lady comes to hold upwardly married...the Lobedu usually quote the saying ‘mobula ndo oa nywala’–the opener or establisher of a solid pays spousal human relationship cattle’, i.e., every immature lady commands a bride-price.”
“Marriages are arranged past times transfer of bohadi (bride wealth) from the menage unit of measurement of the groom to the menage unit of measurement of the bride.”
Inheritance patterns
“Each married adult woman has her ain fields which it is her duty to cultivate for the needs of her ‘house.’ On her expiry her sons take hold outset correct to inherit her fields unless their begetter wants to work them for himself or conform for their tillage to render nutrient for the younger children; but they may non hold upwardly used for the do goodness of whatsoever other ‘house.’” “A immature lady may hold upwardly given her deceased mother’s land to cultivate spell she is soundless inward her parental home, but she cannot inherit it.” “...a married adult woman may, in addition to often does, larn fields from her ain people to cultivate.
The deviation betwixt these fields in addition to those given past times her husband’s people is that the latter are hers equally a correct in addition to are inherited past times her sons; the old she obtains through the goodwill of her bloodkin in addition to on her expiry they revert dorsum to them unless the children are soundless immature in addition to the fields are needed to feed them.”
Divorce
“The work of a woman’s bride-price past times her brother, in addition to the involvement which his cattle-linked sis has inward maintaining this ‘house’ inward which her boy volition uncovering a wife, made divorce hard inward the old days. Today, however, partly owing to migrant labour, divorce is to a greater extent than mutual in addition to girls, especially inward the illustration of arranged marriages with old men or cross-cousins, quite oft run away to a lover either earlier or after the spousal human relationship knowing that they cannot whatsoever longer hold upwardly forced to return. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 render of the bride-price is non e'er insisted upon...When at that spot are complicated cattle claims a husband, especially he is already old, may uncovering it wiser non to press for a divorce if the married adult woman absconds.”
“The dominion inward Lobedu divorce was, inward the old days, that the husband’s menage unit of measurement should have dorsum the total bride-price summation all increase, irrespective of where the blame lay, inward accordance with the saying ‘mosila mobe o boya le noto ea hwe – fifty-fifty the bad workman (husband) returns with his tools.’ The children went with their woman parent to her people in addition to when she remarried, the novel hubby had a correct to all of them.”
“With European direction came the introduction of the Pedi thought that a human has a claim to both the cattle in addition to the children inward the illustration of malicious desertion. Old men inward the 1930s called this a white man’s law; today people are claiming it equally a Lobedu custom.”
Preferential category for spouse
“This want to maintain hold upwardly the links betwixt blood brother in addition to sis in addition to to maintain in addition to renew spousal human relationship limks with women of the lineage from 1 generation to some other is really strong. The spousal human relationship of a adult woman at her father’s sister’s (i.e., mother’s brother’s immature lady marriage) is called ‘ho dsosa moloko’–to awaken or renew relationship. There are several variations of mother’s brother’s immature lady spousal human relationship that arise from or are leap upwardly with obligations connected with cattle...If inward the illustration of a cattle-linked blood brother in addition to sister, the latter has a immature lady but no boy who could wed her brother’s daughter, she might, rather than interruption the link with her blood brother in addition to allow her hubby to work the cattle to create novel links with strangers, nevertheless, with the
understanding in addition to consent of her husband, mitt over her daughter’s bride-price to her blood brother so that he tin wed a 2d married adult woman in addition to constitute a ‘house’ from which her immature lady may claim a adult woman later on to wed her boy in addition to to ‘come in addition to create for her’.”
“Besides spousal human relationship with the mother’s mother’s brother’s daughter, other variations of mother’s brother’s immature lady marriages are found, such equally spousal human relationship with the mother’s brother’s son’s immature lady (one generation below), with the father’s mother’s brother’s immature lady or fifty-fifty with a father’s mother’s brother’s son’s daughter.”
“The same vogue is nowadays inward Lobedu polygyny where the sororate is really popular. Most Lobedu who are non Christians take hold to a greater extent than than 1 wife. But it volition almost e'er hold upwardly found that at to the lowest degree 1 is a sis or younger relative of 1 of the other wives.
Patterns of descent (e.g., bilateral, matrilineal) for for certain rights, names or associations
“...the Lobedu are a patrilineal people inward the sense that a human belongs to his father’s lineage,
belongings is inherited inward the manlike somebody line, in addition to spousal human relationship is patrilocal.” “Dating was non component subdivision of traditional Sotho life. Marriages were arranged betwixt families, in addition to a immature lady could hold upwardly betrothed inward childhood. Nowadays, most people selection their mates.”
Balobedu people: Balobedu tribal dance: This was taken at bolobedu ha masthwi, bolobedu genuinely way “ho loba” a seat were people lose their daughters in addition to sons. Courtesy http://visualuprising.wordpress.com
Socio-Political organisation in addition to interaction
Political system: (chiefs, clans etc, wealth or condition classes)
“It (the Balobedu population) is essentially a federation of smaller groups united past times their mutual alliance to the queen. The political powerfulness resides inward the minority grouping descended from the master Balobedu with the bush grunter equally totem. The bulk is descended from immigrants of different Northern Sotho in addition to Shangaan tribes. These take hold largely assimilated with the fundamental minority grouping culturally, although retaining their master totems. The tribal designation is Balobedu ba gaModjadji, in addition to the fundamental tribal hamlet is Sehlakong inward the district of Balobedu.”
“The shape of authorities is that of a fundamental authorization with the queen equally the caput of province in addition to spatially defined political units which, each nether a headman, savour a considerable grade of autonomy. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 large proportion of these districts inward which the reason is divided are ruled past times the descendants of master sections of the nuclear group; a few take hold been allocated past times alien groups nether their ain headmen spell some are held past times majestic women, batanoni or ‘wives’ of the queen.
Many districts at nowadays held past times commoners originated from batanoni but since women do non succeed 1 some other equally heads of districts these take hold been inherited past times their sons of husbands given to them past times the queen. Royal wives (batanoni) are of various kinds. Some are of majestic blood, daughters of closed relatives of the queen to whom they take hold been given equally a token of homage (ho loba). Only these are laid upwardly past times the queen equally rulers over districts...Other majestic wives are the daughters of district heads, spell a number are daughters of unusual chiefs who come, sometimes with cattle, sometimes with coin or a immature lady to loba the queen for rain.
Once a adult woman from inside the tribe has been accepted past times the queen equally a majestic wife, the necktie is renewed
from generation to generation on the pattern of cross-cousin marriage. Men may offering a immature lady to the queen also inward render for, or inward the expectation of, economical aid or political favour...and at that spot is a vogue today for districts to hold upwardly subdivided into smaller in addition to smaller units to satisfy the political aspirations of ambitious subjects. Royal wives bind to the queen non only her closest relatives but most of the of import people inward the tribe. Some wives are given away inward spousal human relationship to her councillors, relatives in addition to district headmen. Some remain with her in addition to take hold allocated lovers. Children of these latter telephone yell upwardly the queen ‘father’ in addition to she is responsible for helping them to marry.”
“The Lobedu proper appear originally to take hold regarded themselves equally an aristocracy but today it is only the majestic lineage (ba Mohale) in addition to a number of of import Lobedu heads that are looked upwardly to. Many non-Lobedu lineages have, past times virtue of spousal human relationship links through majestic wives, a higher condition in addition to are to a greater extent than closely related to the queen than sections of Lobedu themselves. The gild is remarkably egalitarian in addition to at that spot is no concentration of wealth inward the hands of the ruling group. Nor would this hold upwardly piece of cake inward a tribe inward which the limited resources inward belongings (in cattle) are used primarily for, in addition to are constantly beingness converted into, spousal human relationship alliances.”
Post-marital residence:
“Upon marriage, a adult woman is expected to exit her menage unit of measurement to hold upwardly with the menage unit of measurement of her husband.”
Territoriality ; “Traditionally, then, belongings is of value to the Lobedu only inward so far equally it tin hold upwardly consumed or
meets an immediate demand on the 1 mitt or, on the other, is used for creating in addition to maintaining social relationships.”
Sex divisions inward politics: Here Lovedu women, dissimilar their Southern Sotho counterparts, play an of import role inward menage unit of measurement affairs in addition to world administration, often holding positions of office. Indeed, 4 out of 5 recent Lovedu rulers were women. Consequently, argues Kuper, linked brother-sister ties are predominant inward Lovedu society, equally are corresponding relations betwixt agnates in addition to the father’s sister. This relationship, he notes, is reflected inward kinship terminology, which tends to underline the ‘relatively greater condition of women on Lobedu society.’”
Village in addition to solid organization
“Lobedu homesteads vary inward size in addition to composition from a typical minimum of a married human with his mother, wife, in addition to children to a grouping of half-brothers, their mothers, wives, children in addition to grandchildren, soundless living together after the expiry of the father. Very often other relatives, such equally a widowed sis in addition to her children, a maternal relative or an affine of the caput are to hold upwardly found living inward the homestead. But these are the to the lowest degree stable elements in addition to tend to displace away inward a brusk time.
Lobedu people wearing different dress,Limpopo
Though little units continuously hive off, in addition to at that spot is a goodness bargain of modify inward the little homesteads of to a greater extent than recent immigrants or where a migrant labourer hubby has never returned, the Lobedu homestead is on the whole, especially inward the illustration of the principal boy in addition to his descendants, a remarkably stable unit. Over a menstruum of 30 years most of the larger homesteads known to me take hold remained inward the same seat or been rebuilt a few hundred yards from the old site after the expiry of their head.”
Specialized hamlet structures (mens’ houses)
“Family life for many rural Sotho has been disrupted for generations past times migrant labor. Today, many Sotho men go on to hold upwardly inward all-male housing units provided past times the gold-miningcompanies that employ them. With the halt of apartheid, some of the families previously separated past times the old project laws at nowadays hold upwardly together inward urban areas.”
Social organization, clans, moieties, lineages, etc
“The Sotho take hold clans, many of which comport beast names, such equally the Koena (crocodile). These clans stress descent through the father's side, but at that spot is flexibility inward defining clan membership. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 characteristic of Sotho kinship was that a somebody was allowed to wed a cousin (ngwana wa rangoane) who was a fellow member of the same clan.”
Religion (animism, ancestor worship, deism, magic, totems etc.)
“The tribe is made upwardly of a large number of different totemic groups, Lion, Elephant, Crocodile, Wild Pig, none of which, non fifty-fifty the majestic Lobedu totem, is confined to the Lobedu tribe.”
The Rabothada dancers were called magôgôbya. They had magnificent costumes with headdresses surmounted past times beast figures, with underskirts trailing the basis to create a dramatic effect.
“The supreme beingness that the Sotho believe inward is most commonly referred to equally Modimo. Modimo is approached through the spirits of one's ancestors, the balimo, who are honored at ritual feasts. The ancestral spirits tin convey sickness in addition to misfortune to those who forget them or process them disrespectfully. The Sotho traditionally believed that the evils of our world were the outcome of the malevolent actions of sorcerers in addition to witches.”
Ritual/Ceremony/Religion (RCR)
Specialization (shamans in addition to medicine)
The most powerful religious leaders inward Balobedu gild are their pelting queens, who are believed to take hold powers over the atmospheric condition in addition to other natural phenomena. “The Balobedu of Modjadji...are renowned for their woman somebody rulers, the mystical pelting queens. It is traditionally accepted that the Balobedu queen has the powers of rainmaking in addition to is soundless regarded equally the most famous rainmaker on the subcontinent. Fear of her powers has e'er restrained both internal opposition in addition to whatsoever assault from outside. Even the mighty Shaka, Rex of the amaZulu, treated her with slap-up abide by in addition to paid her tribute. The pelting queen Modjadji soundless is the focal point
in addition to strength of the Kingdom.”
Bolobedu woman,Limpopo South Africa
“The rain-making powers of their queen, enhanced past times the mystery in addition to secrecy of her ritual seclusion, attracted many accretions from various tribal groups from surrounding areas who sought peace in addition to security...For enemies feared to assault the Lobedu queen lest they hold upwardly visited past times drought in addition to locusts.”
“ Traditionally the pelting queen was expected, inward her old age, to transcend on her secrets to her successor in addition to so to commit ritual suicide. Missionaries to interruption this tradition prevailed upon Modjadji III, who came inward powerfulness inward 1896, in addition to she died of old historic menstruum inward Feb 1959, aged eightysix. Although some of the traditional customs take hold larn obsolete, the sacred drums may soundless hold upwardly heard on special occasions, in addition to when the Balobodu appear earlier their queen, they soundless do so barefooted in addition to inward a kneeling position. To her people Modjadji is soundless a mystical ruler whose powers in addition to wellness are vital to the nation. As inward bygone years, she is soundless held inward high esteem equally pelting queen of the Balobedu tribe.”
“The listing of wild animals believed to take hold medicinal in addition to curative properties is long...the pangolin is considered to hold upwardly a peculiarly strong medicine past times the Lobedu tribe inward north-eastern Transvaal.”
‘Witchcraft in addition to Sorcery:’ There is a distinction betwixt ‘day witches’ (sorcerers), in addition to nighttime witches. The (day) wizard utilizes ‘natural, known powers of medicine for anti-social ends,’ spell the (night) witch utilizes evil powers beyond ordinary understanding.”
Passage rituals (birth, death, puberty, seasonal)
The Vuhwera Initiation School
AKM Collection Johannesburg Art Gallery
The costume above represents the supernatural Muwhira, known equally the recruiter for the Sungwi initiation schoolhouse for girls. He is both deaf in addition to dumb. North Sotho, including the Ba Roka, Venda in addition to Lobedu, all know Muwhira. His grapheme is made of reeds in addition to trunk parts of hawks, owls in addition to hammerhead birds. This illustration was collected inward the Sekororo Area past times J. Witt during the early on 1960's. Later it became the belongings of the Potchefstroom University Collection. Few examples are known, inward that traditionally Muwhira was burned at the halt of Sungwi.
“There are elaborate rites of initiation into adulthood for boys in addition to girls inward Sotho tradition. For boys, initiation involves a lengthy remain inward a lodge inward a secluded expanse away from the village. The lodge may hold upwardly really large in addition to solid dozens of initiates (bashemane). During seclusion, the boys are circumcised, but they are also taught appropriate manlike somebody demeanor inward marriage, special initiation traditions, code words in addition to signs, in addition to praise songs. In Lesotho, the halt of initiation is marked past times a community festival during which the novel initiates (makolwane) sing the praises they take hold composed. In traditional belief, a human who has non been initiated is non considered a total adult.” Vhawhera initiates masked inward grass in addition to reed larn into the stockaded upper-case missive of the alphabet of the Lobedu people, ha-Modjadji, South Africa. (Greg Marinovich) horizontal color slide. 1989.
“Initiation for girls (bale) also involves seclusion, but the ritual huts of the bale are by in addition to large located close the village. Bale have on masks in addition to goat-skin skirts, in addition to they smear their bodies with a chalky white substance. They sometimes may hold upwardly seen equally a grouping close the homes of relatives, singing, dancing, in addition to making requests for presents. Among some clans, the girls are subjected to tests of hurting in addition to endurance. After the menstruum of seclusion the initiates, at nowadays called litswejane, have on cowhide skirts in addition to anoint themselves with ruddy ocher. Initiation for girls does non involve whatsoever surgical operation.”
Lobedu girls wore brusk wraps around the hips during the early on stages ofvuhwera. At a later on phase the girls wore bandoliers platted from grass.
Coming forth from puberty seclusion.
The Realm of a Rain Queen - Plate VIII
On special occasions, both girls in addition to adult woman wore beaded panels. Similar examples to the 1 below were photographs hold upwardly E. J. Krige inward 1938.
Vol 94 Part 3 Page 160 Plate VII
Annals of the South African Museum The Realm of a Rain Queen
“Women give nascency with the assistance of woman somebody nascency attendants. Traditionally, relatives in addition to friends soaked the begetter with H2O when his firstborn kid was a girl. If the firstborn was a boy, the begetter was beaten with a stick. This ritual suggested that spell the life of males is occupied past times warfare, that of females is occupied past times domestic duties such equally fetching water. For 2 or 3 months after the birth, the kid was kept secluded with the woman parent inward a specially marked hut. The seclusion could hold upwardly temporarily broken when the babe was brought exterior to hold upwardly introduced to the outset rain.”“When someone dies, the whole community takes component subdivision inward the burial. Speeches are made at the graveside past times friends in addition to relatives, in addition to the adult men pick out turns shoveling soil into the grave. Afterward, all those inward attendance go equally a grouping to launder their hands. There may also hold upwardly a funeral feast.”
Other Rituals
“Interpreting aspects of the construction of Lovedu society, social anthropologists Krige in addition to Krige claim that natural monastic tell with Sotho-speakers inward the north-eastern Transvaal part of South Africa is premised upon the supposition that ‘cosmic forces’ are controllable events. Hence, they seat 4 methods whereby the Lovedu command natural phenomena: First, vunaga, is the skilled work of impersonal powerfulness believed to hold upwardly inherently concentrated inward persons in addition to objects. The vunaga is a ‘medico-magical’ exercise performed past times an skilful MD (ngaka) in addition to applied inward the interests of wellness in addition to well-being.
The Realm of a Rain Queen - Plate X - E. J. Krige - 1938
The dithugula is deployed to indirectly influence the ancestors; the ancestors may crusade harm in addition to sickness to descendants who fail them in addition to are hence propitiated to ensure goodness crops, fertility, goodness fortune, in addition to success. Here, the work of objects in 1 trial inward the possession of, or inward closed contact with ancestors (beads, animals, or clothing), are employed. Third, the divine queen may hold upwardly approached to secure the regularity of seasonal change; her death, past times contrast, mightiness grade the onset of drought, famine, or the breakdown of social order. Fourth, in addition to finally, cosmic forces tin hold upwardly controlled or manipulated to promote abundance in addition to pelting past times using a ‘sacred drum’ during the designated digoma (drum) ritual.”“...evil is symbolically represented past times ‘heat’ or ‘burning’ (leswa). Indeed, estrus is perceived to announce a disturbance caused past times negative events such equally abortions in addition to miscarriages. ‘Cooling‘ medicines, such equally the burying of dead fetuses inward moisture soil, past times contrast, are considered effective mechanisms for realigning social imbalance.”
Cultural stuff (art, music, games)
“Sotho traditional music places a strong emphasis on grouping singing, chanting, in addition to mitt clapping is an accompaniment to dance. Instruments used included drums, rattles, whistles, in addition to handmade stringed instruments. One instrument, the lesiba, is made from a pole, a string, in addition to a feather. When it is blown, the plumage acts equally a reed, producing a deep, resonant sound.”
Balobedu tribal dance: This was taken at bolobedu ha masthwi, bolobedu genuinely way “ho loba” a seat were people lose their daughters in addition to sons. Courtesy http://visualuprising.wordpress.com
“Generations of mine project take hold led to a distinct migrant-worker subculture inward Lesotho. This subculture developed its ain vocal in addition to trip the lite fantastic toe traditions. Some types of mine dances take hold synchronized high-kicking steps. One vocal tradition, difela, has lyrics relating the travels, loves, in addition to viewpoints of the migrant workers. Other pop music inward Sotho includes trip the lite fantastic toe tunes played past times little groups on drums, accordions, in addition to guitars.”
The lower left necklace has 2 beaded leather medallions. The old Balobedu adult woman inward the centre ikon wears a number of necklaces which really much resemble them in addition to the others. She was hold upwardly in addition to good inward 2007. She reported she had owned her necklaces since she was a immature girl.
The focal dot of Lobedu civilization is the Rain-Queens Royal Kraal in addition to to a greater extent than specifically the khôrô. The khôrô is a circular arena at the centre of the majestic kraal, which served equally a coming together place. It was surrounded past times a palisade of large poles, some figured, which were brought to the kraal past times visitors inward tribute to the Modjadji Queen.
The Rain Queens private residential entrance in addition to enclosure.
Rain-Queens in addition to Python Dance - Plate's nine in addition to 4
Headmen from all the district are called upwardly to render poles for the Queen'skhoro when inward demand of renewal. This symbolized the solidarity of the Kingdom. Figured palisade examples were exclusive to the queens khôrô. Jurgen Witt of Tzaneen advised that craftsmen of item science carved the poles to distinguish their contribution to the khôrô.
Plate 24 - Circa 1950's Vol. 94 Part 3 Page 133
Rain-Queens in addition to Python Dance Annals of the South African Museum
The photographs "above left in addition to lower right" were taken at the Rain Queen Royal Kraal insito. The 2 poles depicted inward the upper correct photograph were collected past times Witt, equally was the illustration to the lower left. Krige collected the carved pole, inward a higher seat right, with breasts.
The Power of Form - Page 227 Vol. 94 Part 3 Page 132
Annals of the South African Museum
The unique figure below was presented to Minister de Wet Nel during his coming together with the Rain Queen on the 22nd Oct 1959. At the fourth dimension it was positioned close the middle of the khôrô.
Rain-Queens in addition to Python Dance - Plate 36
Carved in addition to figured palisade poles no longer decorate the khôrô.
http://www.ezakwantu.com/Tribe
Rain songs in addition to the observance of the pelting cult amongst
the Lobedu people of Queen Modjadji1
Annekie Joubert
The majestic nucleus of the Lobedu descends from 1 of the Rozwi states that gained prominence inward the southern component subdivision of the old Karanga empire. The Lobedu people hold upwardly inward the Limpopo Province below the Drakensberg escarpment close Duiwelskloof. For the past times half dozen generations they take hold had woman somebody rulers, all bearing the dynastic championship ‘Modjadji’, the legendary ‘Rain Queen’. According to Hammond-Tooke (1993), the southern Bantu take hold been living nether the dominion of various chiefs since at to the lowest degree 800AD.
Rain Dance of Balobedu people
The coming of chieftainship transformed the essential nature of these societies because for certain persons were accorded authorization to brand decisions on behalf of individuals in addition to the grouping equally a whole. According to Hammond-Tooke (1993:65), the only way to safeguard this authorization was through ritual, ‘by article of apparel the chieftainship inward mystical sections to ensure, equally far equally possible, compliance with this novel political (or governmental) authority’. To attain the adherence to chieftainship:
• the concept of majestic blood was developed, where ‘blood’ is metaphorically linked to descent in addition to a segmentation created betwixt royalty in addition to commoners
• a sacredness was created around the principal in addition to a mystical link betwixt the somebody of the principal in addition to the chiefdom equally a whole. Hammond-Tooke (1993:65) points out that ‘in its extreme shape this meant that the wellness in addition to strength of the ruler could influence the weather, crops in addition to full general wellbeing of human in addition to beast’. He mentions Modjadji, the Rain Queen, equally an illustration of this sort of sacredness where it was expected of her to commit ritual suicide after the 4th initiation schoolhouse of her reign to attain divine status
• the condition of chiefs must hold upwardly protected past times strong medicines to ward off witchcraft, sorcery, assassination in addition to assault from other, antagonistic chiefdoms
• the integrity of chieftainship is ensured past times the sacra, possession of which was the ultimate legitimization of
the ruler. These could hold upwardly inward the shape of sacred heirlooms, medicines or, equally inward the illustration of Modjadji, the sacred rainmaking beads, or the sacred pelting drums used during rainmaking rituals.
This was taken at bolobedu ha masthwi, bolobedu genuinely way “ho loba” a seat were people lose their daughters in addition to sons.
"different views equally regards sex, morality, different spousal human relationship patterns, different conceptions of the hierarchy
of historic menstruum in addition to the seat of women, they bargain differently with the province of affairs of death, with rainmaking,
display, in addition to regimentation, and, whereas the social groupings are totemic with the Lovedu, they are
non-totemic with the Shangana-Tonga."
Bolobedu pelting dancer
Because of their diplomacy, reputation equally rainmakers, in addition to strategic seat inward the mountains, the Lobedu were the most influential tribe inward the Lowveld betwixt the Levubu in addition to the Olifants rivers. The disturbances of the nineteenth century had only a slight effect on the Lobedu because of their well-protected sanctuary inward the mountains. Unlike other chiefs, Modjadji did non depend on an regular army to maintain peace, stability in addition to political integrity inward her territory. She accomplished this through her ritual seat equally rainmaker in addition to through spousal human relationship ties. Her enemies were afraid of attacking her, because the consequences to her attackers were drought in addition to famine.
Lobedu girl
The Lobedu pelting cult
The pelting cult with the Lobedu consists of an intricate network of customs with consequences for many aspects of tribal life. The lives in addition to functions of private members inward the tribe are closely intertwined with pelting – the indispensable chemical ingredient for human survival. Irregularities inward the community, such equally the nascency of twins, an abortion or a miscarriage, children or animals with deformities, in addition to unrecognized corpses of dogs are thought to take hold an effect on the rain. In these cases, the children or animals take hold to hold upwardly killed in addition to buried inward moist soil, in addition to for certain rites take hold to hold upwardly performed inward monastic tell to forbid a terrible drought.
Symbol of Lobedu Rain Queen in addition to Python Dance
Numerous pelting making rituals are also observed for agricultural purposes. Schapera in addition to Goodwin (1953:136) dot out that ‘various of import taboos (e.g. on the cutting of for certain trees) must hold upwardly observed past times the whole community during the early on component subdivision of the rainy season, lest drought, hail, or some similar disaster destroy the immature crops’. The Lobedu also possess sacred rainmaking objects such equally pelting beads, pelting horns containing pelting medicine, in addition to pelting pots filled with holy H2O – kept inward secrecy inward a pelting hut that is inward closed proximity to the queen’s residence.
It is believed that the Lobedu work the trunk dirt in addition to peel of deceased queens equally component subdivision of the rainmaking medicine. Krige (quoted past times Eiselen & Schapera, 1953:266), describes this procedure equally follows:
"On the expiry of the queen, which is kept hugger-mugger for a whole year, the trunk is washed every 24-hour interval in addition to the
dirt is made to autumn into an earthenware basin. This is done until all the peel comes off, in addition to only so is
the principal buried. This peel is pose into the pelting pots."
The souls of deceased persons larn the ancestral spirits of the Lobedu, in addition to are regarded equally their most intimate ‘gods’ (badimo) who human activity equally intermediaries betwixt the living in addition to the spiritual world. According to Eiselen in addition to Schapera (1953:250), the ancestral gods are:
"exclusively interested inward the affairs of their ain menage unit of measurement in addition to tribe, in addition to without their aid in addition to guidance
their living descendants cannot promise to flourish. As long equally the moral code is strictly followed, they
confer blessings in addition to abundance; but if offended past times whatsoever breach of custom, they tin also post drought,
cattle plague, tribal or personal disaster, sickness or death."
Unless sorcery is involved, the misfortunes of a community are ‘almost e'er attributed to the intervention of some offended or neglected ancestor, whose spirit must hold upwardly propitiated earlier relief tin hold upwardly expected’ (Eiselen & Schapera, 1953:252). Many of the rainmaking rites take hold a magical equally good equally a religious grapheme because magic in addition to religion, according to Eiselen in addition to Schapera (1953:247), are closely inter-related inward belief in addition to practice. For example, ‘when sacrifices are made to the ancestor gods, the meat eaten past times the worshippers is often “doctored” with medicines equally protection against witchcraft’.
When studying the collection of texts documented past times Eiselen inward the 1920s with various dialect groups such equally the Kopa, Pedi in addition to Lobedu, 1 gets the impression that an supposition does be with some tribes that a supreme beingness closely related to the heaven exists:
"Ge komelelo e godile vasadi va tla tshela metzi kua levitleng la kgoshi le vzhalwa vzho vontzhi. Vzhalwa
vsho ge vo tshelwa levitleng vo vitzhwa metzi. Ge va tshela va volela va re: Modimo o lego godimo a o
fe o lego fase metzi (Eiselen, 1923:23).
‘When the drought worsens, the women volition pour out H2O in addition to huge quantities of beer on the graves of
the chiefs. The beer that is poured on the graves is also called water. As they pour out the beer they utter:
“God, yous who are above, give the god below water!”’ (Own translation).
Considering the corpus of literature on the Supreme Being (Modimo) inward the Sotho organized religious belief on the other hand, 1 becomes aware of the influence caused past times encounters with Christian missionaries in addition to the extreme difficulty to ‘disentangle the strands of Christian in addition to traditional discourse nearly Modimo’ (Chidester, 1997:278). In a personal interview conducted with the tardily Queen Modjadji V inward 1996, she confessed that her rainmaking powers could hold upwardly attributed to the grace of the Christian God in addition to the powers of her ancestral gods.
Observance of the Lobedu pelting cult
According to tradition, the Lobedu must detect the pelting cult at all times. Either the pelting queen or the principal should hold upwardly approached inward times of drought, since the whole tribe acknowledges the queen’s ancestors equally a source of communal good beingness in addition to prosperity. The Lobedu queen is, inward the words of Krige in addition to Krige (1943:271):
"primarily non a ruler, but a rain-maker, in addition to men rely for their security, non on regimentation, armies,
in addition to organization, but on the queen’s powerfulness to brand pelting for the people in addition to to withhold pelting from its
enemies."
Although the queen assumes total responsibleness for pelting in addition to fertility, it should hold upwardly pointed out that she e'er has a rain-doctor (moroka wa pula) who co-operates with her, equally all rainmaking rituals take hold a political grapheme that is linked to the good beingness of the tribe’s polity. For example, equally a in conclusion resort the rain-doctor volition reveal to the queen the forces that forbid her powers from working properly, in addition to take away these forces. Krige in addition to Krige (1943:275) province that ‘the queen tin command pelting only “in understanding with her ancestors” who are able, if they wish, to remain her mitt merely equally she herself is able to remain the hands of rain-doctors’. Specially prepared beer has a sacred significance inward the observance of the Lobedu pelting cult in addition to is regarded equally the ‘ritual nutrient of the ancestors’. The queen is non only regarded equally the ‘transformer of the clouds’, but also equally the modifier of the seasons in addition to the guarantor of their cyclic regularity. Huskisson (1958:150) points out that the queen is inward possession of pelting horns (dinaga ja bula) filled with medicine (dithugula). According to Huskisson, the medicine is burnt to make smoke which rises upwardly inward the air to clit in addition to make the required clouds for pelting to fall. Rain is supposed to autumn equally long equally the horns are placed on the ground, but when they are hung up, the atmospheric condition clears in addition to the heaven becomes dry. The queen’s rainmaking powerfulness takes continuous aid of her people inward times of severe drought equally good equally inward goodness seasons. According to Lobedu interlocutors, the queen’s emotional province affects her rainmaking powers.
When she feels upset, sad, dissatisfied or angry, her powers are reduced in addition to her piece of work is less successful.
There are various ways of approaching Queen Modjadji for rain. Councillors whom she holds inward high esteem
or of import relatives may approach her inward person; district heads may pay tribute to her (ho lova) inward the shape of money, cattle or gifts; dancing groups tin see her ‘to evoke her compassion at the sorrowful sight of people dancing inward summertime when they ought to hold upwardly ploughing’ (Krige & Krige, 1943:272). After cooking nutrient for their families, married women would gather at the majestic kraal every morning time for upwardly to a calendar week to lova (pay tribute to) their queen with dances to arouse her compassion or to convey her joy. The slap-up hardship that this dancing entails for nursing mothers who take hold no fourth dimension to feed their babies is thought to melt the pump of the queen. The music used during the pelting dancing performances consists of lesugu songs, which are also ‘sung at the annual harvest ceremony, on the expiry of of import majestic people, in addition to at the girls’ initiation school’ (Krige & Krige, 1943:273).
The Rabothada dancers were called magôgôbya. They had magnificent costumes with headdresses surmounted past times beast figures, with underskirts trailing the basis to create a dramatic effect.
songs in addition to mono-functional or proper pelting songs.
• Multi-functional pelting songs tin include loba songs, which refer to songs that are sung to pay homage to the
queen. The verb ho loba/ho lobela way to pay respect, tribute or allegiance to somebody past times giving gifts. The next illustration is used inward Ziervogel in addition to Mokgokong’s Northern Sotho lexicon (1975:766) to explain the pregnant of the verb: ditšhaba tše ntšhi di lobela pula ga Motšatši (many tribes pay tribute to Modjadji for rain).
• Mono-functional or proper pelting songs (lesugu) are usually sung concurrently with the dancing of a special
trip the lite fantastic toe called the legobathele. These dances are regarded equally the most acclaimed dancing for rain. Krige and
Krige (1943:272) depict this trip the lite fantastic toe equally follows:
It is to a greater extent than dignified, its movements slower in addition to to a greater extent than stately, in addition to its drumming to a greater extent than subdued than in
an ordinary gosha. Only 2 drums are used, in addition to none but those who take hold lost at to the lowest degree 1 parent may
perform, in addition to it is begun inward the dim lite of the dawn earlier sunrise, when, after a brusk spell, it stops and
is resumed later on inward the day. (http://repository.up.ac.za)
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