THE KGOMA, OR INITIATION RITES OF THE 

 BAPEDI OF SEKUKUNILAND. 



Bv Kev. XoEL Roberts and C. A. T. Winter. 



(Plate 26 and three text figures. ) 



Introduction.'*' 



A great deal has been written about the history and customs 

 of various Bantu tribes, but as far as the writer is aware, no 

 complete or consecutive account of the Initiation rites has been 

 given to the public. This is not to be wondered at, for every- 

 thing connected with these practices is kept profoundly secret, 

 and none but the initiated are ever allowed to be present at the 

 ceremonies. The men are exceedingly reticent when approached 

 on these matters, and refuse to give any information about 

 them, even after they are converted to Christianity. As a rule 

 they are afraid, for the ])enalties imposed on those who reveal 

 the secrets are dreadful in the extreme, and to this day there 

 is danger of being done to death for doing so. For this reason 

 I have suppressed the names of any Natives who have supplied 

 me with information. 



In spite of these difficulties, however, it has been found 

 that, with tact and patience, and the skilful handling of any 

 slight knowledge already possessed, it is possible to gain infor- 

 mation, either new, or in confirmation of that received from 

 other sources. 



A description of these rites, which forms the basis of the 

 l>resent paper, was taken down in Sepedi direct from the lips 

 of M. S. by Mr. C. A. T. Winter, the son of one of the early 

 missionaries sent out to this country by the Berlin Missionary 

 vSociety. Mr. Winter was born in the country, and speaks the 

 native language perfectly. 



The evidence of M. S. is of unique value, since he held 

 the position of chief Rahadia of his tribe before he was con- 

 verted to Christianity. 



Using his account as a basis to work from, further infor- 

 mation has been gathered from other sources, chief among 

 whom is a native witch-doctor, a relative of the Paramount 

 Chief. 



Whenever possible, we have tried to get independent testi- 

 mony without asking leading questions. The value of this will 

 be appreciated by anyone who knows the readiness of the 

 natives to answer in the affirmative if they expect the answer 

 " Yes." At the same time, we have tried to guard against 

 errors creeping in through natives trying to throw one off the 

 scent by giving false information. The present paper does not 

 claim to be a complete or perfect account of the ritual, but the 

 information is derived from the best sources available, and it 

 should at least serve as a starting-point for further research. 

 Any criticisms, corrections, or additional information will be 

 gratefullv acknowledged if addressed to the Rev. N. Roberts.! 



* By Rev. N. Roherts. 

 fThe Vicarage. Orchards, Johanneslnirg. 

 B 



