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Litungu or Bwali (Mbunda Female Initiation)
At this time, the mwali is bathed and dressed in a new chitengi cloth, leaving her topless. Oil is applied all over her body and her hair. The night before she comes out, the community starts celebrating with music, dancing, and beer. The next day, the girl is brought out covered by a blanket and sits on a grass mat. The people of the village gather around. The father takes a small ax and the mother takes a small hoe. The father puts money on the blanket, on top of the girls head, then he puts the ax under one side of the blanket. The mother does the same with the hoe. Together they lift the blanket, revealing the young woman. She stands and the drums begin to beat. The girl dances publicly (a special dance taught to her by the chilombola) for 15-20 minutes. If she dances well, people will give her money (which is collected by the chilombola). Then she is taken to an open place and seated on a mat where people may continue to give her money. Later she can socialize with people and the community will continue celebrating. This celebration can last for several days. After “Litungu”, the young woman may now be given her own field. She may also have her own “choto (cooking fire). She is now considered a true woman and is available for marriage. Details, Read More…
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