Reed dance

Curiosity killed the cat!

I know I touched on this last year in my research report, the reed dance. I find the reed dance very interesting, it is one of the functions that hasn't been ereased from the Zulu culture and I think that it would be a great place to see all the colourful beadwork.

I must say that its not easy trying to get information from the women that bead or women that do the virgin testing around the time of the reed dance. They have so much to do and meetings to attend but I'm learning that its not a walk in the park to get everything and everyone ready for those three day.

Drum role everyone!

I have been making beadwork that is worn at the reed dance and now I’m proud to say that the whole outfit is complete. It took some time but it’s done and with the help of my sister, I managed to take this beautiful picture of her.

Finally it's done.

I’ve been working on this skirt for sometime now and I’m very proud that it is finished. One thing that got me down or that brought my hopes down is the fact that black or black beads are not welcomed at Emhlangni “The reed dance.” It is said that if you seen wearing them, they are taken away from you, never to be returned. It is clear that if I want anyone to wear my work at the dance I will have to start from scratch. It is a lesson to be learnt sooner then later.

Praying long and hard.

I titled this picture, "praying long and hard" because those girls do not want that reed to break under any circumstance. That would be blowing their chance with the king or with people ever respecting them. Do not get me wrong, not all the girls that join the reed dance want to be chosen by the king.

Proud

These young ladies are very proud of their culture as you can see that they are not afraid to take part of the reed dance, where the king is ment to chose his next wife. I love their bright colours but I guess that has to do with wanting to stand out of the crowd. Every tribe or area has their own style or taste for beadwork. They can be told a part by the different colours or stitches. I'm in the process of making the fool beaded outfit but with a small twist or should i say "Isimodeni?"

The zulu reed dance

Once a year young Zulu or African ladies attend the Zulu reed dance that is held at Ulundi or kwaNongoma. Before this function or this gathering the ladies have to go to a virginity test and if you’re no longer a virgin, you do not take part. The ladies have to carry long reeds and hand them to the king, King Goodwill Zwelithini. It is said that if your reed breaks before you hand it over, you lied about going throw the virginity test and passing it. I made this neck piece because it is one of the items that ladies wear at the reed dance and I would like to make the whole out fit. I made it this long so that it can go past the breast and hide a bit of the flesh.