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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:Ethnic and gender identities in Venda Domba statues
Author:Nettleton, Anitra
Year:1992
Periodical:African Studies
Volume:51
Issue:2
Pages:203-230
Language:English
Geographic terms:South Africa
Venda Republic
Subjects:Venda
girls' initiation
women
sculpture
Architecture and the Arts
Women's Issues
Ethnic and Race Relations
Peoples of Africa (Ethnic Groups)
arts
Cultural Roles
External link:https://doi.org/10.1080/00020189208707757
Abstract:Among the Venda in the northern Transvaal, South Africa, sculptures are used as didactic tools within the context of female initiation, starting with the puberty rites of the 'vhusha' and culminating in the premarriage school of 'domba'. In the 'vhusha' clay figures are almost exclusively used, but in the 'domba' either clay or wood figures, or both, may be used. This article examines these figures in the light of the available evidence as to the development of the 'domba' as a Venda institution, and the way in which its organization and the images which it uses, reflect both the place of women in Venda society and contribute to the maintenance of an exclusive 'Venda' identity. The article is based on research conducted from 1978 to 1981 and from 1990 to 1991. Bibliogr., notes, ref.
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