Eswatini

One of Africa's last absolute monarchies, Eswatini centres its calendar on the Umhlanga reed dance and Incwala kingship ceremony.

Spirituality & rites Music & dance Textile & dress Language & oral

Knowledge in this place

Umhlanga reed dance

Umhlanga reed dance

Thousands of young women gather reeds and dance before the queen mother.

Spirituality & rites

Incwala kingship ceremony

Incwala kingship ceremony

A first-fruits ritual renewing the sacred power of the Swazi king.

Spirituality & rites

Sibhaca dance

Sibhaca dance

An energetic men's stamping dance performed in teams with song.

Swazi beadwork

Swazi beadwork

Beaded aprons and necklaces signalling age, marriage and rank.

Textile & dress

Siswati language

Siswati language

An Nguni language with deep praise-poetry and oral-history traditions.

Language & oral