Suppressed Histories: Zimbabwe and Malawi

We begin with a visual survey of ancient rock art, and its themes of women in ceremonial dance and maternal ancestors from whom flow streams of essence and geneological lines. Ancient female figurines; the great temples and palaces of Zimbabwe, and the ancient empire of Mwanamutapa. Harinda BaRozwe, a python-healer and first queen of the Shona. Kasamba, the founding shamanic priestess of the Goba, and the Shona lineage of lion oracles titled Nehanda, after a long-ago female founder. Nehanda Nyakasikana, the leader of the first Chimurenga defending the country against the Rhodesian invasion, and present-day Shona diviners and trance mediums. The matrilineal Goba, Plateau Tonga and Chewa peoples, and the role of the vatete (unmarried aunts) in patrilineal Shona ociety. The Makewana, a line of oracular women of Malawi, from whose rain python pool the country takes its name. Female farmers, muralists, basketmakers and beadworkers. Women in the Zimbabwean revolution and its aftermath, including women's rights activists today.

 

Visual talk by Max Dashu. All titles are in-person visual presentations (average 90 minutes)
with a break midway and more time for questions and discussion.
Tech requirements: digital projector with VGA cable, screen, and mic.

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