Ndebele Ladies, Mabhoko Cultural Village, North Western Province, South Africa.
Ndebele Ladies Mabhoko Cultural Village North Western Province The Mabhoko Cultural Village was founded in 1953 It has a population of 289 and sees itself as one big family The Maphoto is the apron worn by married woman so as not to show their knees Copper rings around their necks are also a sign of a married lady The colours on the apron are a symbol of happiness Ceremonial beads are also worn as symbols of the tears of joy happiness and sorrow An important part of the Ndebele culture is the ritual of initiation school and marriage and the ceremony of both As part of their initiation boys go to the bush for 3 months and girls must stay in the home for 1 month in preparation for their married lives ahead Their art is done by the proud Ndebele women who use toothbrushes or more traditionally brushes made from chicken feathers Some of their works contain signs of fertility and they include many drawings of razorblades which are a sign of circumcision However it is forbidden to talk about the ceremony a matter taken seriously and if questioned the Ndebele people will tell you the blades are for shaving their heads The women are not circumcised
Size: 6144px × 4088px
Photo credit: © Charles Sturge / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: Yes
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