This morning we started out our day meeting many influential United States representatives at the Consulate in Johannesburg, followed by touring the Union Building grounds, where the president of South Africa works. Our group was also anxious to learn about the ancestry of this country and to finally understand many of the tribes we have heard about during our time in Cape Town. This country has eleven languages some of which stem from the indigenous tribes. Zulu and Xhosa have been two of the most common spoken among the natives along with English and Afrikaans.
We arrived at Lesedi Cultural Village about forty-five minutes from Jo’Burg unaware of what to expect. Immediately we were greeted by African men in tribal kilts and animal skin. We stepped out of the bus and into a true cultural experience. Craft markets and authentic foods were set up around town and we were free to explore the unique jewelry and figurines handmade by the natives. We then watched a short video explaining to us the meaning of Lesedi and the tribes that essentially founded and developed South Africa. Lesedi means “full of light” and gives hope to those who reside there. Our group was then led on a tour throughout the grounds of the four tribes we learned about in the video. Each tribe, the Pedi, Xhosa, Zulu, and Basotho had unique stories and traditions that aided to their development and importance to the people.
The four tribes had different languages and customs such as how many animals they have to give to pay for a wife. The tribes also had designated areas for meetings and diplomatic relations where only the men were allowed to enter. Each tribe had their own clothing unique to their historic background and location in South Africa such as the Pedi. They were defeated by the British and the Scottish in a war, when the Pedi thought the kilted men were women so they were tricked and lost. The Pedi now wear red kilts in remembrance of this defeat. The Basotho’s resided in the mountains of South Africa and wore animal hide to keep them warm. They then migrated to present day Lesotho, their native country. It was fascinating to see the history of each tribe and their rituals as well as the housing they have and tools used in everyday life.
After our tour of the villages we were shuttled to the main hut for an exciting tribal performance from all four tribes. Two boys in our group were selected to learn the tribal dances and moves by the village men. The women wore exotic beaded skirts and tank tops and the men wore kilts and animal skins depending on their tribe. The women performed a tribal rain dance and the men showed a dance they do in order to ward off the spirits.
Dinner following the performance was also held at Lesedi and was full of new food experiences. Students were able to try a variety of meats from venison to crocodile to ostrich. We also sampled malva pudding, a dessert unique to South Africa. After visiting Lesedi, I really began to understand the history and background of this beautiful country I’ve been living in for the past month. The people of South Africa display such pride for their homeland and traditions and we now in a way can relate to the people. When we meet a local Zulu and hear the language, we know where their ancestors come from and many of the customs their tribe performs. I also have gained a new appreciation for expressing art in different forms. We were exposed to dancing and music from the groups that was unlike anything I had ever witnessed before. Every drum beat and movement means something special to them. There is a song for every mood and situation they experience in their daily life.
Visiting Lesedi makes me wonder about my family ancestry and the significance of our traditions. Why do we do what we do? Have you ever thought about your ancestry and the true origin of your race?
4 Responses to Lesedi: A Tribal Experience by Caroline Legin