Traces of Snake Worship in Basotho Culture

Abstract

Ophiolatreia is a universal phenomenon found in almost all ancient societies.
This study is an attempt to establish that even in Southern Africa, ophiolatreia
is traceable. Using intertextuality and phenomenology as its methods of
approach, the study analyses Molutsoane, Lesokoana and Mokete oa Molula,
the three well-known Basotho cultural ways of praying for rain. A critical
analysis of these three shows that the ancient Basotho did address some of
their prayers to a water snake as the object of their worship. According to
some of the Basotho cultural practices such as initiation rite and the
information one gets from some of the Basotho myths, this water snake is
not only the source or the giver of water but it also gives fertility to women. As
the giver of rain, the snake is called Tlhahla-macholo and the Creator, as the
giver of fertility.