The Reed Dance festival is a solemn occasion for the young women, but also an opportunity to show off their singing, dancing and beadwork, the fruits of many months of excitement and preparation.
The women of KwaZulu-Natal make some of the finest beadwork in Africa, and the Reed Dance is an especially vibrant and colourful occasion on account of the rich beadwork on display. For visitors to the Reed Dance, this exquisite handiwork can provide a unique souvenir or gift to take home.
From each region in the Kingdom comes a distinctive craft tradition, and the colours, patterns and styles of the beadwork luxuriantly displayed by the young women, as both ornaments and clothing attest to the region of origin of the craftwork.
Annual Zulu Reed Dance - uMkhosi woMhlanga
13/09/2008
Venue: eNyokeni Palace, Nongoma
Contact: 035-4744919
This traditional ceremony takes place in September at the royal palace. Thousands of young Zulu girls arrive to perform for the king of the Zulu nation, King Goodwill Zwelithini. The dance celebrates purity.
All words and concerning pictures are taken from www.kzn.org.za/kzn/news/283.xml
Links:
- Car hire options (easiest way to get there)
- Accommodation in the Battlefields
- tra:mag Southern African Highlights "Zululand"
