article

Agricultural ceremonies in Natal and Zululand

Bantu studies14 • Published In 1929 • Pages: 357-383

By: Lugg, Harry Camp.

Abstract
This article compares the observance of the First Fruit Ceremony by the Amafunze tribe of Natal with that of the Amabaso of KwaZulu-Natal, and both in turn with those ceremonies observed by the Zulu kings in early historic times. Most of the informationn was obtained from two informants, Nqaka Ngcobo of the Amafunze and Mageva Kanyile of the Amabaso who frequently assisted with these agricultural ceremonies in their respective tribes. The historical data dealing with the observance of these ceremonies by the Zulu kings came from an account in the Zulu language, contained in 'Uhlangakula' by James Stuart (p. 358, ftn. 1). The author notes that the First Fruit Ceremony has three primary functions in society: (1) to strengthen the chief or kins, (2) to strengthen the army, and (3) the assurance of sanctified and ample crop (p. 360).
Subjects
Tillage
Music
Provinces
Chief executive
Military organization
Cult of the dead
Sacred objects and places
Prayers and sacrifices
Magic
Organized ceremonial
culture
Zulu
HRAF PubDate
2005
Region
Africa
Sub Region
Southern Africa
Document Type
article
Evaluation
Creator Type
Government Official
Document Rating
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
John Beierle ; 1979
Field Date
no date
Coverage Date
ca.1800-1920s
Coverage Place
KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Notes
H. C. Lugg
Includes bibliographical references
LCCN
35011239
LCSH
Zulu (African people)