Let’s not lose any of these wonderful African traditions. Tell me at the end whether you agree.
Generally, African traditions are expressed in myriad forms – more commonly through art, music, mask making, song and dance and food. It is so important to hold onto our African traditions because they are an important means of ensuring that cultural practices are handed down from one generation to another.
Here’s our pick of some of the African traditions that we love, from the stunning to the quirky.
AFRICAN ART
Zulu beadwork
The intricacy of Zulu beadwork is remarkable. Each bead’s colour conveys a specific meaning. A Zulu term loosely translated as ‘love letters’ is ‘ubhala abuyise’, which means ‘one writes in order that the other should reply’. Zulu women in South Africa use beads to communicate their feelings; but more typically, to convey their marital status.
SOCIAL/CULTURAL
Herero of Namibia – attire
The Herero group make up less than 10% of the population of Namibia. This is a group that historically inhabited central Namibia.
Their Victorian-style dresses have roots in both trauma and triumph. The outfits are called ohorokova and are recognized by their voluminous shape, headpiece styled to resemble cow horns and puffy sleeves.
In 1884 Namibia became a German colony and the Herero people were forced into labour. Up to 80% of the Herero people were murdered between 1904 and 1908 by German soldiers. The dresses remain a symbol of this trauma, but also of triumph.
Ghana’s ‘fantasy coffins’
In Ghana, elaborate funerals and dramatically carved caskets are a well-documented tradition.
That’s not all though – a funeral is also a great occasion to observe dancing pallbearers – a practice that’s also common to other West African countries such as Nigeria. The flamboyant coffins embody the Ghanaian approach to death: death is not the end; it’s merely a transitional state. You move from one dimension to another. So your ‘transport’ needs to be comfortable. More commonly, though, it is your profession that dictates the type of casket you have when you die in Ghana. So if you were a fisherman, your casket might be sculpted to look like a fish. If you were a teacher, a pencil casket might be a good choice. Another inspiration for casket designs is based on a person’s expectations or hopes for the afterlife. So you could be buried in a Merc.
Madagascan Famadihana
If we’re to stay on the theme of death and burials, then the Madagascan Famadiahana, which means ‘turning of the bones’, is worth mentioning.
It’s the name given to the traditional exhumation of ancestors by the Betsileo and Merina people. These are, believe it or not, exuberant and joyous occasions that occur every seven years so. During Famadihana, the bodies of the dead are taken from the family tomb, wrapped in bamboo mats and danced around the tomb before they are re-shrouded and buried. The events are open to the public –you can organise to see one through local tour operators. But make sure you bring a bottle of rum as a gift for the host family and ask permission before taking any pictures.
Related: Madagascar: Origins and Beliefs of the Malagasy People
The Ethiopian handshake
Greeting someone in Ethiopia can be a complicated affair. What do you do? Say a simple ‘hi’? Offer a handshake of fist pump? A kiss on both cheeks? It turns out that a traditional Ethiopian greeting is not so straightforward if you are not Ethiopian. What normally happens is that as Ethiopians shake hands they also gently knock their shoulders together. Traditionally, this was the greeting used by those who fought the Derg (the military junta that ruled present-day Ethiopia and Eritrea from 1974-1987), but it’s used by pretty much everyone today in informal contexts. This isn’t the only way to greet people in Ethiopia, though: multiple kissing on the cheek (up to five times) is very common, too. Have a peek at this video for an abbreviated version:
Eskista!
While we’re in Ethiopia, have a look at the seemingly impossible Eskista dance as seen on the 2nacheki YouTube channel – we challenge you to have a go!
The Namibian greeting
Visiting Namibia? Make sure you’re in with the locals by mastering the Namibian greeting. It goes something like this:
“Did you get up well?”
“Yes”
“Are you fine?”
“Yes”
“Did you get up well?”
“Yes”
“Are you fine?”
“Yes”
In other words, greetings are so important that they are repeated.
Basotho traditions
Basotho traditions are beautiful and, thankfully, flourishing. Celebrations that mark important milestones are an integral part of Basotho culture. For example, while hiking you might spot a lekolulo, a flute-like instrument played by Basotho herd boys; a thomo, a stringed instrument played by Basotho women, and the setolo-tolo, a stringed instrument played by men.
The Basotho are also renowned for their beautiful patterned, intricate blankets which themselves embed rich meaning – watch this video by the Sparrow Society about the cultural significance of the blankets and how to wear these treasures:
Moroccan hamam tradition
Hamams are bustling social places to get scrubbed clean courtesy of gallons of hot water and hospitable staff.
In Morocco, every town has at least one hamam, and there are separate hamams for men and women. A great aspect of visiting hamams are the toiletries that are sold there – try the ghassoul (clay mixed with herbs, dried roses and lavender). You’ll need to bring your own towels and something to sit on, such as a plastic mat, and slippers.
Rwanda – Kwita Izina
Naming ceremonies across the continent follow a roughly similar sequence, and Rwanda is no different. The birth of a child is a huge deal, and it’s accompanied by much celebration and fanfare. The newborn is presented to the community who then proceed to offer their choice of names for the child. The proud parents select a name for their child and celebrations ensue with a seemingly never-ending flow of food and drink.
Gorillas in Rwanda are afforded the same level of respect, love and admiration. To the extent that they are named in a similar fashion. The annual naming ceremony, the Kwita Izina, is a particularly popular countrywide event.
Which traditions would you like to add to this list? Tell us in the comments below.
