Photos from Swaziland

The uMhlanga or Reed Dance in 1974

Swazi girls collect reeds around Mdutshane, south of Lobamba near Malkerns and walk, singing and dancing as they go along, to the residence of the "Ndlovukati", the Queen Mother, in Lobamba as a service to her: these reeds will be used to repair the windbreaks around the traditional huts in her residence. On the main day, usually in early September, the girls dress themselves in their traditional finery, the short "indlamu" skirts, "emagcebesha" necklaces and colourful "umgaco" sashes worn across the body. Led by the "bantfwabenkosi", the King's unmarried daughters, they march, singing and dancing, to the place where they deposit their reed bundles.

Then there is the big "Reed Dance" where all girls dance, swinging large knives, symbols of their virginity, in rows, singing and blowing whistles to the beat of the songs, groups after groups, young and old, a truly spectacular sight. The dance is in front of the King who, according to tradition, may choose one of the girls to be his new wife. A privilege in the old days, it is less welcomed nowadays as it means effectively the end of whatever ambitions the girl could have. Polygamy is still practiced in Swaziland by those who can afford the "lobolo", bride price, paid to the girl's family.

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Girls cutting reeds	Making reed bundles	Girl with reeds	Girl with hairstyle	Collecting reeds
Girls from St. Mary's	Girls dancing	Singing and dancing	uMhlanga dance	Marching with reed
Carrying reed	Young girl	Girls with reed bundles	Walking with reeds	Princesses dancing

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