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Pictures of the highly colourful and eye-catching culture of the Ndebele tribe

Ndebele, also called Ndebele of Zimbabwe, or Ndebele Proper, formerly Matabele, Bantu-speaking people of southwestern Zimbabwe who now live primarily around the city of Bulawayo. They originated early in the 19th century as an offshoot of the Nguni of Natal.

There are three main groups of Ndebele people:

  • The Southern Transvaal Ndebele (now Gauteng and Mpumalanga)
  • The Northern Transvaal Ndebele (now Limpopo Province) around the towns of Mokopane (Potgietersrus) and Polokwane (Pietersburg).
  • The Ndebele people of Zimbabwe, who were called the Matabele by the British.

The two regional Ndebele groups were not only separated geographically, but also differed in their language and cultural practices

See Also – Unique fashion Namibias Red Women

 

Ndebele Village, Mpumalanga, South Africa.

Ndebele Village, Mpumalanga, South Africa. Flickr / South African Tourism

 

2_The colourful and bright geometric designs with which the Ndebele beautify their homes

The colourful and bright geometric designs with which the Ndebele beautify their homes. Image Credit  Flickr (1) & (2)

 

Young men from the Ndebele tribe in South Africa pose on their initiation day. 1Jan1985. Flickr / United Nations Photo

Young men from the Ndebele tribe in South Africa pose on their initiation day. 1 Jan 1985. Flickr / United Nations Photo

 

Two mothers from the Ndebele tribe wait for their sons to start marching and dancing after their initiation ceremony. 1/Jan/1984

Two mothers from the Ndebele tribe wait for their sons to start marching and dancing after their initiation ceremony. 1 Jan 1984. Flickr / United Nations Photo

 

A woman from the Ndebele tribe in South Africa carries a traditional beer container. 1 Jan 1983. Flickr / United Nations Photo

A woman from the Ndebele tribe in South Africa carries a traditional beer container. 1 Jan 1983. Flickr / United Nations Photo

 

An Ndebele woman traditional neck ring attire and a Western-style hat. Flickr / United Nations Photo

An Ndebele woman traditional brass neck ring attire and a Western-style hat. Flickr / United Nations Photo

 

Ndebele Arts and Crafts & A close up of the delicate and skilful Ndebele beadwork. Flickr (1) & (2)

Ndebele Arts and Crafts & A close up of the delicate and skillful Ndebele beadwork. Flickr (1) South African Tourism

 

Traditional Dolls & Toys by the Ndebele people. Flickr/ FiverLocker

Traditional Dolls & Toys by the Ndebele people. Flickr/ FiverLocker

 

Elders & Women of Ndebele Village, Mpumalanga, South Africa. Flickr / South African Tourism (1) & (2)

Elders & Women of Ndebele Village, Mpumalanga, South Africa. Flickr / South African Tourism (1) & (2)

 

Bright colours and bold patterns adorn the house and clothing of the South African Ndebele tribe. Flickr / (1) (2) FiverLockr

Bright colours and bold patterns adorn the house and clothing of the South African Ndebele tribe.
Flickr / (1) United Nations Photo &  (2) FiverLockr

 

See Also
1) Unique fashion Namibias Red Women

2) Mursi of Ethiopia: One of Africa’s Most Captivating Cultures


[Header image] – Ndebele Village, Mpumalanga, South Africa – South African Tourism / Flickr

Sources:
–  South African History Online – Ndebele
Briticanna– Ndebele Zimbabwean people

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