The social organization of the Nashona

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Periodical article

Title:	The social organization of the Nashona
Author:	Latham, C.J.K.
Year:	1973
Periodical:	Nada: The Southern Rhodesia Native Affairs Department Annual
Volume:	10
Issue:	5
Pages:	35-40
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Zimbabwe
Subjects:	Shona traditional rulers
Abstract:	The first part of this article contains a description of the kinship system and of the socio-political structure of a Shona tribe or clan, with special emphasis on the position of the Samusha and Sadunhu in the hierarchy of political control. In the second part the author examines some aspects of succession and selection of chiefs and analyses their development, administrative and spiritual functions. The third part describes the various spirits or shades of the departed (mudzimu, pi. midzimu, and mhondoro) within the tribe. Spirit medium or go- between of the shades with the living members of the lineage groups is the svikiro. The functions of the svikiro are described. Special attention is paid to the conduct of the spirit medium's seance during which the spirit medium expresses the wishes of the midzimu and in that way is able to exert political influence within the tribal organisation. The power of the spirit medium is both an aid and a hindrance to the chiefly power, is far greater than was officially accepted until a few years ago, and has been increasing significantly in recent years. Notes.