Book

CHISUNGU: a girls' initiation ceremony among the Bemba of Northern Rhodesia

Faber and FaberLondon, England • Published In 1956 • Pages:

By: Richards, Audrey I. (Audrey Isabel).

Abstract
This is a descriptive and interpretive account of the CHISUNGU or girls' initiation ceremony among the Bemba of Northern Rhodesia. In the introduction, the author discusses the theoretical significance of the puberty rites. A summary of the material environment and institutional structure of the Bemba society provides the necessary frame of reference for the better understanding of the ceremony itself. Being one of the sponsors of the particular ceremony that she had witnessed, the author is able to record the various rituals in detail. A functional interpretation of the CHISUNGU, especially its place in a matrilineal society, concludes this fine study. An appendix on the distribution of the puberty ceremonies in central Africa, and one on the songs sung during the Bemba ceremony are included in the book. For more information about the author see 2: Richards, this file.
Subjects
Puberty and initiation
culture
Bemba
HRAF PubDate
1997
Region
Africa
Sub Region
Southern Africa
Document Type
Book
Evaluation
Creator Type
Ethnologist
Document Rating
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
Robert Lee ; 1958
Field Date
1930-1934
Coverage Date
not specified
Coverage Place
Zambia
Notes
by Audrey I. Richards
Includes bibliographical references ( p. 213-216) and index
LCCN
57018530
LCSH
Bemba (African people)