Of Wizards and Madmen: Venda Zwilombe, Part II

Abstract

Tshilombe deviance is shown to be regarded as a form of relatively non-threatening 'madness', manifested in behavioural tendencies such as unusual dress, impolite speech, alcohol abuse, a roving existence, bachelorhood and womanizing. The label of 'madman' essentially is a counterbalance for the powerful role of zwilombe as critics of social hierarchies and the excesses of entrenched power. Tshilombe behaviour therefore is explained more adequately by structural factors than by some suspected innate tendency towards deviance. In addition, tshilombe deviant characteristics are shown to be related directly to contemporary conditions of widespread poverty which have stimulated tshilombe stereotyping. Tshilombe deviance thus also has come to function prescriptively in processes of moral redefinition.


(SA J Musicology: 2001 21: 1-18)