TRADITIONAL MEDICINE

Traditional healers in Swaziland are regarded as physicians, prophets, priests, herbalists and diviners, which places a great responsibility upon them. Approximately 80% of the Swazi Nation consult them and there are both male and female traditional healers. The "Inyanga" inherits his skills from his grandfather and father. His profession is dominated by men and the "Inyanga" holds a senior place in Swazi society. His main function is divination, which may be effected by throwing the bones. After several throws when the bones fall into different patterns, the "Inyanga" will scrutinize them and then spell out a clear message in lyrical siSwati. The "Sangoma" is a traditional healer who has been "called" to the profession. Generally practiced by women, the "Sangoma" is consulted to alleviate physical and mental problems, to attend various ceremonies and to act as a counselor. When divining, the "Sangoma" relies traditionally upon spirit possession. Both the "Inyanga" and the "Sangoma" are herbalists and most Swazis consult them for varying reasons.

Traditional Food

Various activities are performed along gender lines, for example, the grinding of mealies remains the preserve of women. This is prior to the preparation of Swazi food. sishwala thick porridge normally served with meat or vegetables
incwancwa sour porridge made of fermented mealie meal sitfubi fresh milk cooked and mixed with mealie meal siphuphe setindlubu thick porridge made of mashed groundnuts
emasi etinkhobe temmbila ground mealies mixed with sour milk
emasi emabele ground sorghum mixed with sour milk
sidvudvu porridge made of pumpkin mixed with mealie meal
umncweba dried uncooked meat (biltong)
umkhunsu cooked and dried meat
siphuphe semabhontjisi thick porridge made of mashed beans
tinkhobe boiled whole maize umbidvo wetintsanga cooked pumpkin tops (leaves) mixed with groundnuts
tjwala (umcombotsi) traditional beer