The Socio-Economic Context of Initiation Ceremonies among Two Southern African Peoples

bibliographic database
Line

Periodical article

Title:	The Socio-Economic Context of Initiation Ceremonies among Two Southern African Peoples
Author:	Carstens, Peter
Year:	1982
Periodical:	Canadian Journal of African Studies
Volume:	16
Issue:	3
Pages:	505-522
Language:	English
Geographic terms:	South Africa Namibia
Subjects:	Nama Xhosa initiation Peoples of Africa (Ethnic Groups)
External link:	https://www.jstor.org/stable/484557
Abstract:	The author's concern in this paper is with the context of rites of passage in the changing socio-economic milieux of Southern Africa at the present time, with reference also to the past. Observing the initiation ceremonies of the traditionally semi-nomadic pastoral Nama and the traditionally cattle people of the Xhosa, who also practised agriculture, hunting and gathering, he examines why these peoples showed different reactions, with regard to status transformation of girls and boys, to conquest by Europeans. This is done by an examination of the contribution of the different sexes to subsistence activities, the modifications in the rules of residence to which young couples were subjected, and the social status of each sex. Also the impact of migrant labour on the social significance of the initiation is examined. Notes, sum. in French.