Delve into the vibrant customs, languages, and artistic expressions of Zimbabwe's two largest ethnic groups: the Shona and the Ndebele.
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Sixteen Languages One Nation Two Cultures
This series, Threads of Tradition, explores the living cultures of Zimbabwe's two largest ethnic groups — the Shona and the Ndebele — and how their traditions continue…
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1
Stone Spirits Carved by Shona Hands
Serpentine stone sculptures from Zimbabwe have found their way into galleries from London to New York, and nearly all of them trace back to one people — the Shona.
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2
Painted Walls That Speak in Color
Ndebele homes are essentially outdoor canvases — their exterior walls covered in bold geometric patterns painted freehand by women, without sketches or templates.
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3
Thumb Pianos That Summon the Ancestors
The mbira, a small instrument with metal tines mounted on a wooden board, is played not just for entertainment but to open a channel between the living and the dead.
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Spirit Mediums Who Guide the Living
Among the Shona, spirit mediums known as svikiro serve as direct conduits between the living and the dead, entering trance states to channel ancestors who advise on…
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5
Old Ways Living in New Times
More than eighty percent of Zimbabweans consult traditional healers at some point in their lives, even in cities with fully equipped modern hospitals.
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