Rain making rites in Ihanzu

Abstract

The subject of this paper is a ceremony which occurs once each year in Ihanzu. It takes place at the capital of the chiefdom. A series of acts is performed over a period of three days in the month of November or December, according to when the rains begin. People say that the purpose of the ceremony is to ensure plenty of rain during the coming year, and also that it marks the beginning of cultivation. It involves cooperation between many villages and groups which do not function in any other situations participate. Although the number of actual participants is small, the performance of the rites is of great importance to many.