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

Story

"Ritual reversals" or "rituals of rebellion" are concepts used for mock rituals performed in Southern and Eastern Africa. During fertility rituals, like rain 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.

Kurzinfos

Originaltitel

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

Status

Released

Start

26.03.2009

Laufzeit

58 min

Originalsprache

sn

Genres

Dokumentarfilm