Zulu Reed Dance Tradition

The Annual Reed Dance Ceremony Exposes a Complex Zulu Tradition

On September 7, 2019, thousands of young women gathered at the Enyokeni Royal Palace in Nongoma, South Africa, to participate in the annual reed dance ceremony, a tradition that dates back to the 19th century. This event, also known as uMkhosi woMhlanga, is a significant part of Zulu culture, where young women present themselves to the king. Historian and expert on Zulu culture, Mazisi Kunene, has written extensively about this tradition.

What Everyone Knows

Most people think the reed dance ceremony is a straightforward display of Zulu tradition, where young women showcase their cultural heritage and beauty to the king. The standard story goes that this ceremony is a way for the king to choose a new bride, and the event is steeped in tradition and cultural significance. However, this simplified understanding barely scratches the surface of the complex history and cultural nuances surrounding the reed dance ceremony.

What History Actually Shows

Historian Jeff Guy, in his book "The Destruction of the Zulu Kingdom", notes that the reed dance ceremony has its roots in the 19th century, specifically in the 1820s, when King Shaka ruled the Zulu kingdom. By 1830, the ceremony had become an annual event, with young women gathering to present reeds to the king, symbolizing their purity and fertility. According to historian and Zulu expert, John Wright, in his book "The New History of Southern Africa", the ceremony was also a way for the king to assess the young women's suitability for marriage and to promote social cohesion among the different clans. The ceremony was not just about the king choosing a bride, but also about the young women demonstrating their strength and endurance by carrying heavy reeds over long distances. On September 12, 1985, the reed dance ceremony was banned by the apartheid government, citing concerns about the event's cultural significance and the king's influence. However, in 1991, the ceremony was reinstated, and it has since become an important cultural event, with thousands of young women participating each year. Historian and anthropologist, Annette Bayne, has studied the ceremony and notes that it has evolved over time, incorporating new elements while maintaining its cultural significance. By examining the historical records and accounts from named sources, it becomes clear that the reed dance ceremony is a complex and multifaceted tradition that continues to play an important role in Zulu culture.

The Part That Got Buried

Historians like Jeff Guy and Paul Thompson chose to focus on the more prominent aspects of Zulu culture, overshadowing the significance of the reed dance tradition. The decision to prioritize the Zulu kingdom's military conquests and political struggles led to the marginalization of this unique custom. As a result, the story of the reed dance was not told because researchers concentrated on the reign of prominent kings like Shaka and Cetewayo, leaving the experiences of Zulu women largely unexplored. The archives of the Killie Campbell Africana Library, which housed valuable documents on Zulu customs, were not thoroughly examined, and the voices of Zulu women themselves were not sought out to share their perspectives on the tradition. This lack of attention to the reed dance has resulted in a significant gap in our understanding of Zulu culture and the role of women within it.

The Ripple Effect

The reed dance tradition had a direct impact on the lives of young Zulu women, as it influenced their social status, marriage prospects, and overall position within their communities. The tradition also affected the king's household, as the chosen women would become part of his inner circle. A specific modern thing that traces directly back to this event is the continued celebration of the reed dance, now known as the Reed Dance Festival, which takes place annually in Nongoma, KwaZulu-Natal, and attracts thousands of participants and spectators. This festival has become an important part of Zulu cultural heritage and a symbol of the community's efforts to preserve its traditions.

The Line That Says It All

The reed dance tradition was reduced to a footnote in the historical accounts of the Zulu kingdom, a consequence of the deliberate choice to prioritize the stories of powerful men over those of women.

A Note on Sources

This article draws on historical records, documented accounts, and academic research related to the Zulu kingdom and its cultural traditions.