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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:Oral traditions, archaeology and the history of Venda 'mitupo'
Author:Loubser, JannieISNI
Year:1990
Periodical:African Studies
Volume:49
Issue:2
Pages:13-42
Language:English
Geographic term:South Africa
Subjects:Venda
oral traditions
archaeology
Anthropology and Archaeology
Education and Oral Traditions
History and Exploration
Peoples of Africa (Ethnic Groups)
External link:https://doi.org/10.1080/00020189008707725
Abstract:This article evaluates the often contradictory Venda oral traditions, not only by comparing them with other oral traditions, but also in terms of available archaeological and ethnographic evidence. Aim is to determine to what extent Venda traditions should be taken at face value. Venda-speaking people, who live in the north of South Africa, were divided into different 'mitupo' or totemic groups well before the arrival of whites. The politically dominant 'mutopo' among the Venda is known as 'Singo'. Five versions of Singo oral history have been published to date. Each differs on places, people and events. The independent evidence and time-depth provided by archaeological methods is necessary to adjudicate between these conflicting oral histories and interpretations. Therefore, the author presents the results of her own archaeological investigation in order to assess the following conflicting claims: dates of settlement of the Venda in the Soutpansberg, places of origin, development of the Venda language, nature of pre-Singo politics, and extent of the Singo State. Next, she shows how ritual status reflects the mythical component in Venda traditions, and how this throws more light on early Venda history. This evaluation shows that while the traditions of the current Venda rulers are correct about their date of settlement in the Soutpansberg and their former power, they are misleading about their origins, the development of their language and the achievements of their predecessors. Bibliogr.
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