If Vagina Had Teeth: The Shona Rainmaking Ceremony in Western Mozambique
Main News

If Vagina Had Teeth: The Shona Rainmaking Ceremony in Western Mozambique

Director: Liivo Niglas, Frode Storaas

Country: Estonia

Year: 2009

Length: 58′

Language: In Shona with English and Estonian subtitles

“Ritual reversals” or “rituals of rebellion” are concepts used for mock rituals performed in Southern and Eastern Africa. During fertility rituals, like rain making ceremonies, women in their songs and dances demonstrate obscene behaviour while they behave like men.
These are secret performances open strictly for elderly men and women. Still, we were invited to record the rain making ceremony in the land of Chief Chassuka, Manika Province in Mozambique in order to document the ritual for the younger generations. These rituals are a fading tradition probably due to the special character of the songs and dances.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *