Welcome, dear readers, to another exciting edition of our blog series, Tribes and Vibes. Buckle up as we embark on a thrilling journey into the heart of Africa, exploring the vibrant culture and rich history of the Shona tribe. So, grab a cup of coffee, sit back, relax, and let’s dive right in!

A Brief History of the Shona Tribe

The Shona tribe, a group with a history so rich it could make a billionaire blush, hails from the southern regions of Africa. Their ancestors were the master builders of great stone cities over a thousand years ago. Talk about ancient real estate moguls, right?

The Shona people are believed to have migrated to Zimbabwe and Mozambique in the 11th century. They were part of the Bantu migration, one of the largest human migrations in history. Imagine the traffic on that journey!

The Origin of the Shona Tribe

The origins of the Shona people can be traced back to the Bantu migration from West Africa over 2000 years ago. They are one of the largest Bantu ethnic groups in sub-Saharan Africa. So, if you’re ever lost in southern Africa, chances are you’ll bump into a Shona!

The Shona people are a Bantu ethnic group native to Southern Africa, primarily living in Zimbabwe where they form the majority of the population. They also have significant populations in Mozambique, South Africa, and a worldwide diaspora.

The Shona people’s history is as rich as a chocolate cake with extra fudge. Their ancestors built great stone cities in southern Africa over a thousand years ago. These were not your average stone cities, mind you. They were architectural marvels that would make modern architects green with envy!

During the 11th century, the Karanga people, one of the Shona sub-groups, formed kingdoms on the Zimbabwe plateau. They began construction on Great Zimbabwe, the capital of the kingdom of Zimbabwe. Imagine that, building a city out of stone in the 11th century. Talk about being ahead of the curve!

The kingdoms were replaced by new groups who moved onto the plateau. The Ndebele destroyed the weakened Rozvi Empire during the 1830s. The Portuguese gradually encroached on the kingdom of Mutapa, which extended to the Mozambique coast after it provided valued exports (particularly gold) for Swahili, Arab and East Asian traders.

The Shona people were also a part of the Bantu migration where they are one of the largest Bantu ethnic groups in sub-Saharan Africa. So, they’ve been around the block a few times, to say the least!

The Shona people have never been united under one rule at any point in their history. They’re more like a group of friends who always hang out together but can never agree on which movie to watch!

The Clans of the Shona Tribe

The Shona people traditionally have a strong regional clan structure, with six main groups: the Manyika, the Ndau, the Zezuru, the Karanga, the Korekore, and the Rozvi. These clans are not just social groups; they are a vibrant tapestry of culture, history, and identity.

Each clan has a totem, referred to as Mutupo in the Shona language. A totem is recognized as an animal or an animal’s body parts/organs believed to be sacred to the clan. There are at least 25 identifiable totems and 60 associated chidao (totem name) in the contemporary MaShona society. Totems are usually natural phenomena, animals, and body parts such fish eagle, zebra, lion, monkey, elephant or leg, heart, and lung.

Totems are seen as symbols and guardians of ancestral identity. They embody the spiritual essence of the ancestral lineage, serving as protectors and guides for the living descendants. When two individuals share the same totem, they are considered to be part of the same ancestral lineage. This shared ancestry creates an immediate familial bond, as they are believed to be connected through a common set of forebears.

The Shona people also live in communal groups known as clans. A clan in the context of the Shona (Bantu) people can be seen to mean a group of people who live together in one location and have the same Chief or Headman, totem, and a common dialect but are not necessarily blood relatives.

The Kings of the Shona Tribe

In the Shona tribe, the kings are known as the Mwene Mutapa, which means either lord of metals or master pillager. Now, that’s a title that would make any metalhead or pirate green with envy!

The kings ruled a number of chiefs, sub-chiefs, and headmen. Talk about a management hierarchy! It’s like a corporate structure, but with more feathers and less paperwork.

In terms of hierarchy, the relationship between the different Shona entities was heterarchical. However, within the individual polities, malleable hierarchies of control and situational heterarchies were a common feature. This is in tune with historically documented political relations in related pre-colonial southern Zambezian states.

The Official Language of the Shona Tribe

The Shona people speak the Shona language¹²¹³, which is a Bantu language. It is spoken by roughly 87% of Zimbabweans and is one of Zimbabwe’s official languages¹³. So, if you’re planning a trip to Zimbabwe, brushing up on your Shona might be a good idea. Just remember, “Twabam” means “Awesome”!

Traditional Ceremonies

The Shona people have many traditional ceremonies to mark significant occasions such as marriages, births, and deaths. These ceremonies are not just social gatherings; they are a vibrant tapestry of culture, history, and identity.

Mashavi (Spirits)

One such ceremony is the Mashavi. This is a traditional ceremony where the spirits of the dead communicate their needs and grievances through the living. This can take place in three ways: jukwa, chipunha, and chingweme. The ceremony involves brewing beer, inviting guests, and engaging in traditional dances. The person possessed by the spirit may perform various actions under the influence of the spirit, such as dancing differently, eating raw chicken, or speaking in languages they normally do not understand.

Kuruva Guva (The bringing home ceremony)

Another important ceremony is the Kuruva Guva, held a year after a person’s death. Before this ceremony, the deceased person is considered to be separated from their family’s ancestors and therefore it is forbidden to offer sacrifices or prayers to them. The ceremony serves to bring the spirit of the deceased home, integrating them into the family’s ancestors.

Mukwerera (Rain making ceremony)

The Shona people also hold a rain-making ceremony every year called Mukwerera. This ceremony is held at the end of September when the rain season begins. The ritual lasts for a week and is held at the shrine of a female spirit medium.

Traditional Shona Wedding (Roora)

A traditional Shona wedding involves a groom paying a dowry known as roora to the family of a woman. This bride price element of roora is meant to be a token of appreciation to the family of the bride.

Cultural Practices

The Shona people have a rich tapestry of cultural practices that are deeply rooted in their history and traditions.

Spirit Possession

One such practice is spirit possession. The Shona people believe that they can communicate with the spirits of their ancestors. They rely on spirit mediums who the spirits can possess. This process of spirit possession and communication can be complicated. Different spirits may compete to possess one medium, and each such spirit may have its own pantheon of mashave spirits. Mashave are not spirits of dead people. No one knows their origin. They are believed to have been created for a purpose. Mashave are divided into good and bad. Good mashave spirits can do positive things such as help people recover from illness or injury while the bad mashave spirits will cause evil deeds and are thought of as demons.

Avenging Spirits

If a person died violently, and restitution has not been paid to their survivors, the spirit of the person who died violently may come back as N’gozi, a word that translates as spirit of vengeance. The spirits of all these hound paternal relatives left behind by the perpetrators.

Traditional Occupations

The Shona work in a variety of occupations, and their artists are well known for their finely carved wooden headrests and stone sculptures. Their traditional culture, now fast declining, was noted for its excellent ironwork, good pottery, and expert musicianship.

Ancestral Beliefs and Christianity

Traditionally, many Shona people adhere to a combination of ancestral beliefs and Christianity. Ancestral veneration plays a significant role in their spiritual practices. The Shona culture places a strong emphasis on family and community. Extended families are common, and they have a collective approach to problem-solving and decision-making.

And there you have it, folks! A brief, yet detailed look into the fascinating world of the Shona tribe. Stay tuned for more exciting adventures as we continue to explore the Tribes and Vibes of our beautiful world. Until next time, keep those vibes high and your curiosity higher!