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Soil and blood : Shona traditional region in late 20th century Zimbabwe

This qualitative study focuses on two questions:
a) Do present-day Shona still subscribe to the world-view of their ancestors?
b) How does this world-view relate to that of the modern (Western) world?
Interviews were conducted with government representatives, chiefs in Masvingo Province
and people in all walks of life. Virtually all interviewees, even when participating in the
"modern" sector (including Christianity), still subscribe to the traditional system.
Government, however, has adopted the model of the pre-Independence government, with
some concessions to tradition.
The traditional world-view (emphasising its key symbols, blood and soil) and the history of
the two dominant tribes in Masvingo Province are outlined. A case study of a current
chieftaincy dispute illustrates the dilemma.
Conclusion: searching dialogue between the two belief systems is needed to resolve the
potentially creative ambivalence. Some key issues are suggested as starting points for such
dialogue. / M.A. (Religious Studies)

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:unisa/oai:uir.unisa.ac.za:10500/18115
Date06 1900
CreatorsManley, Marcelle
ContributorsDaneel, M.L.
Source SetsSouth African National ETD Portal
LanguageEnglish
Detected LanguageEnglish
TypeDissertation
Format1 online resource (vi, 174 leaves)

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