Book

The social functions of avoidances and taboos among the Zulu

de GruyterBerlin, New York • Published In 1973 • Pages: xiv, 576

By: Raum, Otto Friedrich.

Abstract
This source presents an exhaustive analysis of the sociological function of UKUHLONIPHA (Hl) (avoidance) and UKUZILA (Za) (abstention or taboo) in Zulu social organization and institutional activities. The framework for the tables appearing in this work were drawn up by the author in 1940 and filled in from the literature on the Zulu as well as fieldwork in Mapumulo District. This information was further verified and supplemented in consultation with approximately 100 students and teachers at the Umpumulo Training College. During the summers of 1952-1953, 1955-1956, and 1956-1957 (a total of nine months in all), the author visited the districts of Eshowe, Mahlabatini, Nongoma, and Nkandla to further supplement his data (p. 1). From Raum's original survey, it was determined that the avoidance and taboo patterns covered a very wide range of phenomena in those specific situations in which such behavior was obligatory. later fieldwork '…revealed that the whole gamut of Hl and Za observances is never found implemented in any one family, in any particular individual. Each Zulu, and each lineage makes a selection which is determined by historical, cultural and economic circumstances and individual predilections' (p. 1).
Subjects
Vocabulary
Diet
Eating
Personal names
Classes
Marriage
Household
Family relationships
Kinship
Chief executive
Executive household
Community heads
Provinces
Religious offenses
Death
Avoidance and taboo
Puberty and initiation
culture
Zulu
HRAF PubDate
2005
Region
Africa
Sub Region
Southern Africa
Document Type
Book
Evaluation
Creator Type
Ethnologist
Document Rating
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
John Beierle ; 1979
Field Date
1940, 1952-53, 1955-56, 1956-57 (9 months)
Coverage Date
ca. 1800-1957
Coverage Place
Mapumulo, Eshowe, Mahlabatini, Nongoma, and Nkandia Districts; KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa
Notes
von O. F. Raum
Errata slip inserted
Includes bibliographical references (p. 548-554)
LCCN
73174174
LCSH
Zulu (African people)