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Topic 2 of 7 · Form 5

African Traditional Religion: beliefs and practices

The Supreme Being (Mwari, Musikavanhu, Nyadenga; uMlimu, uNkulunkulu) – creator, all-powerful, often approached through intermediaries. The Mwari cult at the Matonjeni/Njelele shrines in the Matobo Hills is consulted for rain and national well-being.

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Concepts of God

The Supreme Being (Mwari, Musikavanhu, Nyadenga; uMlimu, uNkulunkulu) – creator, all-powerful, often approached through intermediaries. The Mwari cult at the Matonjeni/Njelele shrines in the Matobo Hills is consulted for rain and national well-being.

Spirits

  • Ancestral spirits (vadzimu, amadlozi): guardians of families.
  • Territorial spirits (mhondoro): guardians of the land and chiefdoms, speaking through spirit mediums (masvikiro).
  • Alien spirits (mashavi) and avenging spirits (ngozi).

Rituals and ceremonies

Rain-making (mukwerera), kurova guva/umbuyiso (bringing back the spirit of the deceased), thanksgiving and harvest rituals, and healing ceremonies.

Religious specialists

Spirit mediums, traditional healers (n'anga/inyanga), herbalists, rainmakers and chiefs with religious roles.

Moral and social values

Taboos (zviera, imilayo), totems (mitupo, izibongo), communal responsibility and Unhu/Ubuntu.

ATR in contemporary Zimbabwe

Continuing influence on family life, healing (Zimbabwe National Traditional Healers' Association – ZINATHA), conservation, and national ceremonies; interaction with Christianity (dual religious participation).

Debates

Whether ancestors are "worshipped" or "venerated"; the place of witchcraft beliefs and their legal treatment (the Criminal Law Code addresses witchcraft accusations and practices).

Exam tip: Use correct Shona and Ndebele terms and explain them in English.

Check yourself

  1. What role do mhondoro play?
  2. Name the shrine in the Matobo Hills associated with Mwari.
  3. Why do some scholars prefer "ancestor veneration" to "ancestor worship"?
Show answers
  1. They are territorial spirits who protect the land, chiefdoms and rains, speaking through mediums.
  2. Njelele (Matonjeni).
  3. Ancestors are respected intermediaries, not worshipped as gods; the Supreme Being remains distinct.
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