Tabboos associated with cattle












pic coutesy of National Museum Audio Visual Division: Dikgafela rennaisance from Moshopa village 2009: Celebrating harvesting season: Iconic feature, leaving pots on head unaided.
Happy 2010 collegues, we hope its going to be a wonderful year now  that the world  economic recession is hinting an upward turn, the National Museum is set to continue its objective in particular Monument develoment.This however does not mean the Museum shall ignore its other core activities.Motswediwaditso radio program for one is still here recording and airing Botswana oral traditions, this week we feature taboos associated with cattle,modimo o nko  e metsi.A cow is a symblol  of wealth for most Batswana, such that if you dont have it  you are considreed poor, that is why statistaically there are more cattle than people in Botswana.
Today Elderly Informants from Makalamabedi, Mr Ramokhu Sokwane, Dikgwa Montsho, Botema Tshekiso and Botsile Ndau relate how cattle is protected through myths and taboos. What is  striking about these myths is their close association with women especialy widows and defiled women. Consider these: Widows are not allowed entry into the kraal. Should you have miscarriage, you are not allowed near a krall. a girl on a period should not enter lest her menses wont stop etc.Metahors are ofen used such as when a girl has gone to river she should not enter the krall because she will go forever.Others include if the krall is protected by a proper traditional doctor, predators will not eat them etc.

We are also happy to announce that Mr Mpulubusi, The National Museum former Director who has since retired has been engaged with the goverment to help with the increasing number of stock theft around the country.This is after we had aired his oral tradtion interview on the origin and branding of cattle in Southern Africa.Further details will come forth about his appointment with Botswana Meat Commission during the course of blogging.

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