Myth and Feminism in Traditional Africa: Yvonne Vera's Nehanda as a Postcolonial Riposte

Abstract

This paper explores Vera.s depiction of the trans-historical Zimbabwean period . examining the writer.s representation of the past Shona/Ndebele world in Nehanda. It goes on to exemplify the different ways she has highlighted the distinctive features that were discernible in this pre-colonial Zimbabwean society. The paper addresses a number of questions which Vera.s work provokes, particularly: what is the significance of the Nehanda myth especially to the woman? Essentially, it argues Vera.s stance, in her critique of colonialism, how the coming of the Whiteman has consequently destroyed the essence of the people.s social system that takes cognizance, incorporates, and relies on the powerful guidance of the spirit-medium, Nehanda. It reveals that Nehanda is a vigorous postcolonial riposte which reclaims the voice of the traditional African woman. The protagonist is able to draw attention to things lacking in modern Africa regarding the role of women in the new dispensation.