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In Previous Articles I concentrated on some of the uses of the intlombe as a healing ritual (BÜHRMANN 2, 3). This paper will deal with a sacrificial ceremony, isiko lentambo, the aim of which is the enhancement and renewal of the powers of healing and divination of an igqira (indigenous healer). As described here, this ceremony appears to be confined to the Xhosa speaking people living in the Eastern Cape coastal area. The Xhosa people form part of the bigger Nguni nation.
The ceremony can be performed for a variety of reasons, and at different stages during the training and the subsequent practice of an igqira. There can therefore be considerable differences in detail. A description of one performed during training has been given in ‘Aspects of psychiatry among the black population of South Africa’ (BÜHRMANN 4).
The one to be described here was carried out for a senior igqira, Mr T., the chief informant in connection with my research into their healing methods. He is an old man of about 70 years. In March, , it became clear that he was not in very good health. He had had a minor stroke a few years previously and he seemed to be having increasing difficulty with hypertension. The following year it was noticed that he had less energy and vitality than previously. He also seemed to have fewer trainees, but he was still much sought after as a diviner (diagnostician) and as a ritual specialist. Some family events of a disturbing nature also occurred and all in all there were reasons for concern and anxiety on his part. To improve his general state of health a particular ceremony was decided upon which I attended as a participant observer.
The main activities I shall focus on will be the slaughtering of a white goat, the making of an intambo, and investing him with the finished product. This will be described under the following headings:
The reasons given for the ceremony.
A description of the main aspects of the ceremony.
Discussion of symbolism and comparative material from