Swaziland Art and Music

Swaziland being the small country it is may not have a crazy art collection or well known music, but they do have a place called the Nsangwini Rock Shelter is the biggest example of San art in the country and the most comprehensive display in Swaiziland.

It is said that 4,000 years ago the San people used the area for spiritual rituals and recording important moments of their lives here. Even the most publicized image is from the Nsangwini Rock Shelter. It a painting of two winged creatures that are part human part insect or bird. So what is interesting about this is that you have to go outside to see it and not in a museum like most art.

Nsangwini Bird Men Cave Art, Photographer: Bob Forrester

A Tradition that is known for its controversy is the annual Reed Dance. This tradition is where the virgins of Swaziland dance in front of the palace for their king basically nude with reeds. This tradition is based that no one woman will have intercourse until they are 18 and a chance for the king to choose a new wife. This dance has been under scrutiny due to the graphic nature of it and what it really stands for.

As I am learning more and more about this country is the strange traditions they have in their country that may be offensive, degrading, and controversial to them this is normal. I like being able to learn about other countries to get a different perspective on things. This traditional dance I am very thankful we do not have.

Bibliography

James, Jheri St. Common Ground 191- Journal Swaziland. n.d. http://commonground191.com/journal/swaziland.htm (accessed January 30, 2017).

Swaziland National Trust Commission. n.d. http://www.sntc.org.sz/cultural/rockart.asp (accessed January 30, 2017).

The Kingdom of Swaziland a royal experience. n.d. http://www.thekingdomofswaziland.com/pages/attractions/the_attraction.asp?AttractionsID=16 (accessed January 30, 2017).