Table of Contents
What is njelele known for?
Njelele is mainly known as the rain-making shrine however, it is visited for other purposes such as asking for forgiveness after society’s wrongdoings, asking for cures for human and domesticated animals diseases. The voice was last heard in 1974; it disappeared due to the desecration of the shrine.
What does Matobo mean in Ndebele?
Matobo meaning ‘bald heads’ was the name chosen for the area by the great Ndebele King, Mzilikazi. He is buried in the Matobo Hills just a short distance from the park. Matobo National Park is also the site of the grave of Cecil John Rhodes.
Where is njelele found?
Matobo National Park
Njelele is a prominent rainmaking shrine located outside the southwest- ern fringes of Matobo National Park (now inscribed on the World Heritage List by uNESCo) in the khumalo communal area approximately 100 kilo- meters south of Zimbabwe’s second largest city of Bulawayo.
Where do the Ndebele people perform the rain-making ceremonies?
The rain-making ceremony, Umtolo in Ndebele, Mukwerera in Shona, has been a common practice for many years. The ceremonies used to culminate in a national event held at the Njelele Shrine, also known as Matonjeni or Mabweadziva.
What is Umbuyiso?
Today’s article seeks to unravel umbuyiso, a ritual practised by the Ndebele people of Zimbabwe. May we, at the very outset, reiterate that our approach in dealing with African cultural practices seeks to identify and interrogate the underlying meanings or cosmological underpinnings.
Where is Rhodes grave?
Matobo National Park, Zimbabwe
Cecil Rhodes/Place of burial
Where is Mzilikazi’s grave?
Mzilikazi/Place of burial
Is Matobo a real country?
Fictional places: the Democratic Republic of Matobo, a fictional country from the movie The Interpreter. Matobo, a fictional country from the Swedish comedy Morgan Pålsson – världsreporter (“Morgan Pålsson – world reporter”).
Who leads the rain making ceremony?
Traditionalist and African tradition and culture researcher Mr Boniface Mavengeni says spirit mediums known as manyusa in Shona lead the ceremony alongside elderly women who would have long stopped sexual activity.
Which religion celebrate the rain making ceremony?
The celebration of the rainmaking ceremony is crucial in African Traditional Religion is important because it is a sign of showing allegiance to the of provider of rain. The Shangwe rain making ceremony was practiced at Nevana Shrine which is located under chief Chireya.
How is Umbuyiso done?
In the case of umbuyiso, for example, the grave of the deceased is visited by close relatives. One of the relatives assumes the role of spiritual officer. A goat is dragged to the grave where consecrated beer is poured on the back of the goat by the spiritual officer.
What are the customs and traditions of Zimbabwe?
Zimbabwe Tradition uses the mbira to govern the weather in times such as droughts and floods. It also chases away harmful spirits and cures sickness. The mbira is used in all celebrations, such as weddings and the installation of new chiefs, as well as death ceremonies.
Why is Njelele known as the rain making shrine?
The Shrine is popularly known as Njelele, a Tjikalanga term which refers to a certain type of birds. In Shona it is known as Mabweadziva which means the place of spring waters. This explains why Njelele is believed to be the rain-making shrine.
Who is believed to have lived at Njelele?
Mwari, as he is known among the Shona speaking people, is believed to have lived at Njelele. The personal presence of Mwari at Njelele was indicated by his voice. The Shona people believed that Mwari was the highest and final authority behind their ancestors (Vadzimu).
Where does the last name Ndebele come from?
Means “strength, power” in Zulu and Ndebele. From Zulu and Ndebele amandla “strength, power” and inkosi “king, chief”. Means “merciful” in Ndebele. From the Xhosa and Ndebele feminine prefix no- combined with uxolo “peace”. Means “only girls”, from Zulu, Xhosa and Ndebele intombi “girl” and zodwa “only”.
Where is the Njelele Shrine in Bulawayo located?
The shrine is inside a cave that is located in the Matobo Hills (which is a world heritage center) in the Khumalo communal area approximately 100 kilometres south of Bulawayo, Zimbabwe’s second largest city. The shrine is found in a solid granite kopje which is not different from a plethora of others that are in the vicinity.