Observations of Africa

Tourism Risks

2012-01-08T08:42:00.004-06:00

Bungee cord snaps above crocodile-infested waters

Tsumo - Shumo

2011-12-06T05:00:00.000-06:00

Panotyoka gumbo
ziso rinobudisa misodzi.

When the leg breaks, the eye sheds tears.

When one's friend gets into trouble, one sympathizes with him.

-- Shona Proverb
From Tsumo - Shumo by Mordikai A. Hamutyinei and Albert B. Plangger

Hungry Lion

2011-12-03T05:00:00.001-06:00

Tsumo - Shumo

2011-11-29T05:00:00.001-06:00

Chiripo-chiripo
ndarira imwe hairiri.

What is there is there, one bracelet does not tinkle on its own.

Everything that happens has a cause; nothing just happens by chance.

-- Shona Proverb
From Tsumo - Shumo by Mordikai A. Hamutyinei and Albert B. Plangger

Let Sleeping Lions Lie

2011-11-26T05:00:00.003-06:00

In the jungle, the mighty jungle

The lion sleeps tonight

Tsumo - Shumo

2011-11-22T05:00:00.003-06:00

Chidembo hachinzwi kunhuhwa kwacho chomene.

The pole-cat cannot smell its own stink.

A person rarely blames himself. All people point to the mistakes of others leaving their own blunders untold.

-- Shona Proverb
From Tsumo - Shumo by Mordikai A. Hamutyinei and Albert B. Plangger

The BIG FIVE -- Tembo

2011-11-19T05:00:00.002-06:00

Tembo - Lake Manyara, Tanzania

Tsumo - Shumo

2011-11-15T05:00:00.000-06:00

Kashiri kapangami kanovaka dendere neminhenga yedzimwe shiri.

A clever bird builds its nest with other birds' feathers.

A man who prospers often does so at the expense of others. People suspect that a successful businessman has got rich because he has shrewdly exploited others.

-- Shona Proverb
From Tsumo - Shumo by Mordikai A. Hamutyinei and Albert B. Plangger

The BIG FIVE -- Shumba

2011-11-12T05:00:00.001-06:00

Shumba -- Antelope Park

Gweru, Zimbabwe

Tsumo - Shumo

2011-11-08T05:00:00.000-06:00

Ukaona tsuro yomisa nzeve
yonyera nhanga yokutiza.

When you see a hare raising its ears it is about to run away.

When a usually composed person acts oddly or suspiciously it indicates that he wants to avoid blame or embarrassment. People quote the proverb at the chief's court to warn the judges of the cunning of the accused.

-- Shona Proverb
From Tsumo - Shumo by Mordikai A. Hamutyinei and Albert B. Plangger

The BIG FIVE -- Mbogo

2011-11-05T05:00:00.002-05:00

Mbogo -- Lake Manyara, Tanzania

Tsumo - Shumo

2011-11-01T05:00:00.003-05:00

Zvaita sei kuti chembere yorasika
bere rorutsa imvi?

Why is it that an old woman is lost and the hyena vomits grey hairs?

People become suspicious of a coincidence which could only be disproved by an alibi. A mother who misses a tin of sugar will suspect the child who has some grains of sugar on his lips.

Like the English saying, "Where there's smoke, there's fire."

-- Shona Proverb
From Tsumo - Shumo by Mordikai A. Hamutyinei and Albert B. Plangger

The BIG FIVE -- Chui

2011-10-29T05:00:00.003-05:00

Chui -- Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Tsumo - Shumo

2011-10-25T05:00:00.002-05:00

Rushavashava rune zizi
kwarafamba rinonzi muroyi.

It is the owl's bad luck to be called a witch wherever it goes.

An unfortunate fellow will always be blamed when something goes wrong, even when he is not responsible. An innocent person will quote the proverb in self-defence against those who accuse of a crime.

-- Shona Proverb
From Tsumo - Shumo by Mordikai A. Hamutyinei and Albert B. Plangger

The BIG FIVE -- Kifaru

2011-10-22T05:00:00.004-05:00

Kifaru - Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania

Tsumo - Shumo

2011-10-18T05:00:00.003-05:00

Zinyakurasikirwa anotsvaga uta nomugate.

One who has lost his bow will look for it in a clay pot.

When a person loses something he really needs he will search for it desperately even in the most unlikely places.

-- Shona Proverb
From Tsumo - Shumo by Mordikai A. Hamutyinei and Albert B. Plangger

Njovu -- Liwonde National Park, Malawi

2011-10-15T05:00:00.000-05:00

Tsumo - Shumo

2011-10-11T05:00:00.001-05:00

Nhamo haina duku.

Trouble is beyond any measure.

It does not need long suffering or great trouble for a person to lose his bearings. Quite a small mishap can deprive him of his happiness.

-- Shona Proverb
From Tsumo - Shumo by Mordikai A. Hamutyinei and Albert B. Plangger

Tembo -- Lake Manyara, Tanzania

2011-10-08T05:00:00.003-05:00

Tembo -- Lake Manyara, Tanzania

Tsumo - Shumo

2011-10-04T05:00:00.002-05:00

Nhamo haigochwi.

Misery cannot be roasted.

Life is haunted by misery and there is no ready-made means to counteract it.

-- Shona Proverb
From Tsumo - Shumo by Mordikai A. Hamutyinei and Albert B. Plangger

Twiza -- Antelope Park - Gweru, Zimbabwe

2011-10-01T05:00:00.002-05:00

Twiza -- Antelope Park

Gweru, Zimbabwe

Tsumo - Shumo

2011-09-27T05:00:00.002-05:00

Shure kwenzara
maguta.

After famine follows abundance (of crops).

In spite of being exposed to so many vagaries of nature, the Shona people strongly believe that things will finally work out to their advantage. This is a popular proverb quoted to encourage anybody in a desperate situation.

-- Shona Proverb
From Tsumo - Shumo by Mordikai A. Hamutyinei and Albert B. Plangger

Wangari Maathai: Death of a visionary

2011-09-26T06:17:00.001-05:00

Wangari Maathai: Death of a visionary

A true loss.

Who's The Boss?

2011-09-24T05:00:00.002-05:00

A couple of impala bucks testing each other. They were part of a herd of young bucks at the Antelope Park in Gweru, Zimbabwe. Possibly the winner would consider challenging the dominant buck in the game park for his harem.

Tsumo - Shumo

2011-09-20T05:00:00.002-05:00

Homwe yerombe haina chainosiya.

A beggar's bag takes everything.

The have-nots cannot choose. They have to accept anything, however small. Like the English saying, "Beggars can't be choosers."

-- Shona Proverb
From Tsumo - Shumo by Mordikai A. Hamutyinei and Albert B. Plangger

Looking Back At Ya'

2011-09-17T05:00:00.001-05:00

Tsumo - Shumo

2011-09-13T05:00:00.002-05:00

Chimedza matore
haachadzipwa nepfupa remhuru.

One who is used to eat old cows will not be choked by a calf bone.

A person feels confident of being able to do small things when he has successfully undertaken bigger and more difficult tasks in the past.

-- Shona Proverb
From Tsumo - Shumo by Mordikai A. Hamutyinei and Albert B. Plangger

Here's Looking At You, Kid

2011-09-10T05:00:00.002-05:00

Grandpa Tarzan

2011-09-07T05:00:00.001-05:00

Grandpa Kumabe and Malaika playing Tarzan near Sanyati, Zimbabwe 1983

Tsumo - Shumo

2011-09-06T05:00:00.002-05:00

Shungu dzinomona kana musungo wapotsa.

Grief grips (the heart) if a set snare misses (its target).

When people fail to achieve what they have firmly hoped to get they become very disappointed. For instance, an employee will be very worried if his hopes for promotion are not fulfulled.

-- Shona Proverb
From Tsumo - Shumo by Mordikai A. Hamutyinei and Albert B. Plangger

Variations on a Homestead

2011-09-05T15:34:00.003-05:00

I can't decide which I prefer. Take your pick.

Serengeti Migration 1972

2011-09-03T05:00:00.001-05:00

Moçambique Trash City

2011-08-29T06:24:00.001-05:00

Moçambique Trash City

For some, recycling is not a choice for saving the environment. It is a choice for survival itself.

The African Queen Today

2011-08-29T06:08:00.001-05:00

Hope yet for African Queen gunboat on Lake Tanganyika

North Eastern Zimbabwe

2011-08-28T09:47:00.002-05:00

North Eastern Zimbabwe -- Toward Nyanga

Waterfall inside Mt. Meru Crater

2011-08-27T05:00:00.003-05:00

A waterfall inside the crater of Mt. Meru -- Arusha, Tanzania

I'm not sure which presentation I prefer. Your choice?

Not Your Dad's Chevrolet

2011-08-20T05:00:00.002-05:00

Another Impala at Tangenhamo (a game ranch near Chivu, Zimbabwe)

Tsumo - Shumo

2011-08-16T05:00:00.004-05:00

Chinobhururuka chinozoguma nokumhara pasi.

That which flies ends up by perching on the ground.

A person bragging of his high status or reputation will sooner or later experience humiliation that he cannot escape. An imperious young woman who thinks she is the prettiest girl in the world will lose her glamour when getting on in years.

Like the English saying, "Pride goes before the fall."

-- Shona Proverb
From Tsumo - Shumo by Mordikai A. Hamutyinei and Albert B. Plangger

Twiza -- Tangenhamo

2011-08-13T05:00:00.001-05:00

Tsumo - Shumo

2011-08-09T05:00:00.002-05:00

Mukutanda mapfeni
ndimo munowanikwa ndimo.

While chasing baboons one discovers a new field (to plough).

One who does not travel and, instead, keeps all by himself will never get acquainted with new ways and ideas.

-- Shona Proverb
From Tsumo - Shumo by Mordikai A. Hamutyinei and Albert B. Plangger

Muddy (Gray) Heron

2011-08-06T05:00:00.002-05:00

Tsumo - Shumo

2011-08-02T05:00:00.002-05:00

Chirungu chakauya nechirungurira.

Westernization brought indigestion.

Western ways have replaced African customs to an extent that the changes are referred to as epidemic.

-- Shona Proverb
From Tsumo - Shumo by Mordikai A. Hamutyinei and Albert B. Plangger

Warthog's Wallow

2011-07-30T07:57:00.001-05:00

When we lived in Pemba, Moçambique we would make several trips a year out to Lilongwe, Malawi either to meet our older son coming home from school in Kenya or to take him to the airport to fly back to school. (Pemba has an airport, but service to Nairobi, Kenya was not available. Sometimes charter flights could be arranged with several groups sharing a flight.)

Most of the time we would drive from Pemba to Nampula (5 - 6 hours) and spend the night with friends. Then we would proceed to Mocuba and spend the night either with friends or at a guest house (6 - 12 hours depending upon road conditions). The next stage of the journey was either to Mulanje, Malawi where we would visit friends, or directly on to Blantyre where we stayed in a guest house. Usually the choice was based upon road conditions. It could be 4 - 8 hours to the Malawi border (Mulanje is just across the border) or 6 - 10 hours all the way to Blantyre. From Blantyre to Lilongwe was about a 4 hour trip on a good road.

(Click on map for larger view)

Sometimes, when the road conditions were "good" we would take a northern route from Nampula out to Malawi. This route would take us through Cuamba, Moçambique, across the border through Mangoche, Malawi and on to Liwonde, Malawi where we would spend the night. This would usually be about a 10 hour trip.

Friends discovered an economic place to stay in Liwonde that was clean and comfortable. They introduced it to us -- Warthog's Wallow.

Warthog's Wallow was a collection of rondavals on the bank of the Shire River. There was one for eating, an observation "tower" and several individual sleeping quarters.

A wooden walkway was constructed over the swampy bank of the river out to the water's edge.

(Younger son, Luke, coming back from the Shire River)

Although we never saw warthogs or any signs of warthogs, hippo sign (and sounds) were abundant. From the walkway one can regularly see fresh hippo tracks in the mud. At night the grunts of hippo can wake all but the soundest sleeper.

The observation tower is a good place to observe the hippo during their nocturnal wanderings. Although we wanted to observe the hippo, we were always too tired to stay up until they arrived.

There's even a small pool at Warthog's Wallow. We never used it. It was usually so late when we arrived that we would just eat our evening meal and go to bed. We would usually continue our journey early the next morning. The staff were always nice enough to have breakfast ready for us by 4:00 A.M. so that we could start in the dark and arrive at our destination before sun down (usually).

I don't miss driving for hours on the horrible roads, but I do miss the beauty of Warthog's Wallow and surroundings.

Njiri -- Tangenhamo

2011-07-30T05:00:00.001-05:00

Tsumo - Shumo

2011-07-26T05:00:00.000-05:00

Chingoma chiririsi
ndicho chiparuki.

The drum that sounds loudly is the one that bursts.

Once a thing is talked about too often it becomes stale and loses its appeal.

-- Shona Proverb
From Tsumo - Shumo by Mordikai A. Hamutyinei and Albert B. Plangger

Nyati -- Hwange National Park

2011-07-23T05:00:00.001-05:00

Tsumo - Shumo

2011-07-19T05:00:00.002-05:00

Chandiwana nhasi
chichazokuwanawo mangwana.

What has befallen me today will befall you tomorrow.

Like the English expression, "What goes around comes around."

-- Shona Proverb
From Tsumo - Shumo by Mordikai A. Hamutyinei and Albert B. Plangger

Sun Bath -- Hwange National Park

2011-07-16T05:00:00.000-05:00

Tsumo - Shumo

2011-07-12T05:00:00.002-05:00

Chura kugara mumvura
handi kunwa.

A frog living in water does not mean it is (always) drinking.

Do not be misled by appearances into making rush judgements.

Like the English, "Don't judge a book by its cover."

-- Shona Proverb
From Tsumo - Shumo by Mordikai A. Hamutyinei and Albert B. Plangger

Friends -- Kruger National Park

2011-07-09T05:00:00.001-05:00

Tsumo - Shumo

2011-07-05T05:00:00.000-05:00

Tsuro pfupi
haitemi uswa hurefu

A short hare does not cut tall grass.

It is not wise to attempt what is beyond one's energies or capabilities.

Much like the English expression "Don't bite off more than you can chew."

-- Shona Proverb
From Tsumo - Shumo by Mordikai A. Hamutyinei and Albert B. Plangger

Day's End In Africa

2011-07-03T18:04:00.002-05:00

Variations On An Elephant

2011-06-29T06:52:00.006-05:00

Tsumo - Shumo

2011-06-28T05:00:00.002-05:00

Nhamo haityi imwe.

A misfortune is not afraid of another one.

Misfortunes never come singly. Thus people should not delude themselves into thinking that one misfortune precludes another.

-- Shona Proverb
From Tsumo - Shumo by Mordikai A. Hamutyinei and Albert B. Plangger

Leopard Resting

2011-06-27T18:11:00.003-05:00

My Prayer for Robert Mugabe

2011-06-27T06:35:00.003-05:00

I pray that Robert Mugabe will go to heaven when he dies.

When he gets there he will see God welcoming the victims of Robert Mugabe's and ZANU-PF's violence and misrule. As God heals their wounds, physical, mental and psychological, He commends them on their courage, perseverance and faithfulness to truth and justice.

Then God will turn to Robert Mugabe and say, "Welcome Bob! Come on in. I forgive you and love you." Mugabe's past victims will join in saying, "We forgive you, too!"

And THAT will be hell for Robert Mugabe.

Tsumo - Shumo

2011-06-21T05:00:00.001-05:00

Kana shumba ikashaya nyama
inodya uswa

If a lion fails to find meat it eats grass.

A hungry or desperate man is not choosy; he takes whatever comes his way.

Like the English proverb, "Beggars cannot be choosers."

-- Shona Proverb
From Tsumo - Shumo by Mordikai A. Hamutyinei and Albert B. Plangger

Tsumo - Shumo

2011-06-16T18:56:00.003-05:00

Urombo hahuurayi.

Poverty does not kill.

Although poverty can frustrate a person it does not deprive him/her of life.

-- Shona Proverb
From Tsumo - Shumo by Mordikai A. Hamutyinei and Albert B. Plangger

Visit Tanzania

2011-06-14T06:42:00.001-05:00

An Old Album of Memories

2011-06-05T18:51:00.001-05:00

First Look at Africa

2011-05-29T06:01:00.001-05:00

Puzzling Zimbabwe

2011-05-27T07:29:00.003-05:00

One More New Look

2011-05-22T15:52:00.003-05:00

Another new way of looking at things. Here's Kathy looking artsy -- and puzzling.

Some New Ways to View Zimbabwe

2011-05-22T12:17:00.004-05:00

I'm testing out some new software so I can present the beauty of Africa in different formats. Here are some old photos shown in new ways.

Old photos make old movies.

Fanning Scenes of Zimbabwe

Tsumo - Shumo

2011-05-10T05:00:00.002-05:00

Nzara haisukwi setsvina.

Hunger cannot be washed away like dirt.

Misery of some sort is part and parcel of life. You cannot simply shake it off or chase it away. Industry and skill can often overcome it.

-- Shona Proverb
From Tsumo - Shumo by Mordikai A. Hamutyinei and Albert B. Plangger

Antelope Park Art -- Gweru, Zimbabwe

2011-05-07T05:00:00.002-05:00

Twiza (Giraffe)

Shumba (Lion)

Mbizi (Zebra)

Tsumo - Shumo

2011-05-03T05:00:00.001-05:00

Mvura yateuka
haina muoreri

Spilt water cannot be collected.

Once a misfortune has occurred it is futile to weep over it or try to retrieve it.

-- Shona Proverb
From Tsumo - Shumo by Mordikai A. Hamutyinei and Albert B. Plangger

Like the English saying, "It's no use crying over spilt milk."

A Baptist Theological Seminary of Zimbabwe Graduation

2011-04-30T05:00:00.003-05:00

Tsumo - Shumo

2011-04-26T05:00:00.000-05:00

Maronda asiri ako
anonhuhwa

Wounds other than yours stink.

Every person is capable of seeing other people's defects but not everyone sees his own. This proverb is quoted against somebody who is reluctant to admit his mistakes.

-- Shona Proverb
From Tsumo - Shumo by Mordikai A. Hamutyinei and Albert B. Plangger

Much like "The pot calling the kettle black" in English.

Artistic Hwange Wildlife

2011-04-23T05:00:00.003-05:00

Nhoro (Kudu)

Nzou (Elephant)

Mbizi (Zebra)

Tsumo - Shumo

2011-04-19T05:00:00.002-05:00

Vaviri-vaviri
wechitatu muzvinaguhwa

Two are two; a third party means gossip.

This proverb points out the disadvantage of having more than one close friend or several wives.

-- Shona Proverb
From Tsumo - Shumo by Mordikai A. Hamutyinei and Albert B. Plangger

Similar to "Two's company, three's a crowd" in English.

Even More Old Hwange Photos

2011-04-16T05:00:00.002-05:00

Makudo (Baboons)

Makarwe (Cocodiles)

Nzou (Elephant)

Who's Your Father-in-Law? Your Mother-in-Law?

2011-04-14T05:00:00.002-05:00

If you are a man, your father-in-law is addressed as tezvara. As you might expect, if you've been following this series on Shona family relations, tezvara also refers to any male member of the bride's direct family.

If you are a woman, your father-in-law is addressed as tezvara, however your husband's brothers are addressed as muramu or baba mukuru (if older than your husband).

If you are a man, your mother-in-law is addressed as vambuya. (See Who's Your Grandmother?) You would also address the wives of your wife's brothers by this title.

If you are a woman, your mother-in-law is addressed as vamwene. The wives of your husband's brothers are also addressed as vamwene.

So with just one spouse, you can have numerous fathers-in-law, vatezvara, and numerous mothers-in-law, vamwene. Settle back and enjoy your growing family.

Tsumo - Shumo

2011-04-12T05:00:00.000-05:00

Chawawana idya nehama
mutorwa ane hanganwa

Whatever you have secured eat with relatives; a stranger forgets.

-- Shona Proverb
From Tsumo - Shumo by Mordikai A. Hamutyinei and Albert B. Plangger

Equivalent to the English saying, "Blood is thicker than water."

Todii -- What Shall We Do?

2011-04-09T10:17:00.001-05:00

A little music for the weekend. A beautiful song about a painful and ugly subject -- AIDS.

More Old Hwange Photos

2011-04-09T05:00:00.000-05:00

The story of this mother hippo's audacious adventure can be found at Old Hwange Photos.

Who's Your Grandmother?

2011-04-07T05:00:00.002-05:00

While beginning to learn chiShona, my family and another family also studying chiShona went to get language practice at Sesame in Gokwe Province where a clinic and school were being rebuilt after the war for independence. We were young, late 20's early 30's, with small children. The wives were struggling to get a cooking fire going so they could cook supper on a steel drum lid when one of the workers came by and greeted them, "Masikati* vambuya."

The young women were a bit upset. "We're not that old," they responded. "We don't have grandchildren. These are our children."

The worker tried to explain that he hadn't called them grandmothers, he had used a term of respect. And so a new insight into Shona language and culture was learned.

The mothers of both your mother and your father are addressed as ambuya. Your grandmother is ambuya. She addresses you as muzukuru, just as your sekuru does.

When my wife and our friend heard vambuya in the greeting, they understood it to be the plural of ambuya. For words referring to people the plural is represented by va-. They understood the worker to be calling them grandmothers.

However, there is another relationship for which vambuya is used. It is the title bestowed upon one's mother-in-law by a man. By extension, it is also applied to the wives of his wife's brothers.

In the story above, the greeting was intended to welcome the young women by showing them the respect reserved for sisters-in-law. They were not being called old. They were being accepted into the community.

*Masikati is the standard afternoon greeting.

(Part of the confusion in hearing the difference between ambuya and vambuya is due to the sound of the Shona v. It is not explosive like the English v. It is much softer and slightly implosive. The explosive v sound is written vh in Shona. There is also a subtle tonal distinction between the two words. Ambuya is low-high-low whereas vambuya is high-low-low. Some dialects essentially drop the soft v in vambuya. For the ear unacquainted with these subtleties, these distinctions are virtually undetectable.)

Tsumo - Shumo

2011-04-05T05:00:00.000-05:00

Ane mombe yake
anoziva makumiro ayo

The owner of an ox knows how it bellows.

Long acquaintance with a difficult character will make his peculiarities known.

-- Shona Proverb
From Tsumo - Shumo by Mordikai A. Hamutyinei and Albert B. Plangger

vaFundisi ne vaTungamiri ve maKereki

2011-04-02T10:53:00.005-05:00

Local pastors (vafundisi) and graduates of the Baptist Theological Seminary of Zimbabwe visiting after attending a graduation ceremony.

Church leaders (vatungamiri ve makereki) visiting and congratulating a new BTSZ graduate (right) after the ceremony for a new graduating class.

Who's Your Grandfather?

2011-03-31T05:00:00.000-05:00

You address your father's father as sekuru. You also address your mother's father as sekuru. So, your grandfather is sekuru. He addresses you as muzukuru, which must mean grandchild.

However, as is to be expected, there are some differences in Shona culture. Sons of your maternal grandfather, sekuru, are also addressed as sekuru and call you muzukuru. Sons of these sons of your maternal grandfather are also addressed as sekuru and also call you muzukuru.

So, you are not limited to two "grandfathers," vasekuru (plural of sekuru), in Shona culture. Also, it is very likely that you will have vasekuru younger than you are (sons of your mother's brothers).

Tsumo - Shumo

2011-03-29T05:00:00.002-05:00

Musi muvi ndiwo muuya.

An evil day (can become) good luck.

Mavi ndiwo mauya.

Something bad (is also) something good.

-- Shona Proverb
From Tsumo - Shumo by Mordikai A. Hamutyinei and Albert B. Plangger

For example: When someone dies, people feel compassion for one another and forget the hatred they had for one another.

An English equivalent is "Every cloud has a silver lining."

Deadly cobra missing from Bronx Zoo

2011-03-27T15:49:00.002-05:00

Deadly cobra missing from Bronx Zoo

20 inch? We usually had 48 - 60 inch ones in Gweru and they were always slithering free. (The big ones didn't pay house calls, that's why none over 60 inches.)

Not to discount the danger of their venom, but to all this hype over a tiny tot in a zoo, I'll give a Bronx Cheer.

BTSZ Exams

2011-03-27T10:42:00.004-05:00

Exam time at the Baptist Theological Seminary of Zimbabwe

Gweru, Zimbabwe

Who's Your Brother? Your Sister?

2011-03-24T05:00:00.000-05:00

In English we differentiate between male and female siblings. Male siblings are brothers and female siblings are sisters. Whether the speaker shares the sex of the brothers or of the sisters is of no importance in defining the relationship.

Shona differentiates between siblings of the same sex and siblings of the opposite sex. An elder sibling of the same sex as the speaker is called mukoma. A younger sibling of the same sex is called munin'ina. All siblings of the opposite sex are called hanzvadzi. In other words, a boy calls his older male siblings mukoma and his younger male siblings munin'ina. His female siblings are all hanzvadzi. Likewise, a girl calls her older female siblings mukoma and her younger female siblings munin'ina. All of her male siblings are hanzvadzi. Those a boy addresses as mukoma or munin'ina are addressed as hanzvadzi by a girl. Those a girl addresses as mukoma or munin'ina are addressed as hanzvadzi by a boy.

Since all brothers of one's biological father are baba, all of their children are either mukoma, munin'ina or hanzvadzi, depending upon the sex and relative age of the speaker. Because all sisters of one's biological mother are amai, the same relationships apply to their children.

To summarize, sons and daughters of one's parents, the father's brothers and mother's sisters are related as one's brothers and sisters. Children of the father's sisters and mother's brothers are not related as one's brothers and sisters. We will discover how they are related later.

Tsumo - Shumo

2011-03-22T05:00:00.003-05:00

Meso asangana
hwava ukama

Eyes which have met have (established) a relationship.

(Mombe) Dzafura churu chimwe
dzave zivani.

Those (cattle) that have grazed the same ant-hill know each other.

-- Shona Proverb
From Tsumo - Shumo by Mordikai A. Hamutyinei and Albert B. Plangger

Experience once shared unites people ever after.

Danga remombe

2011-03-20T18:18:00.004-05:00

Here you see a danga remombe (cattle corral) on the left and on the right. The yellow stuff seen through the trees is fodder for the cattle (probably maize stalks, etc.). Notice the large ant hill in the center of the picture. That's an ideal place for cobras to live and also a great source of clay for making bricks. The ant hill, large rock toward the right, and barren earth is typical of the Chiwundura Communal Land where this photo was taken.

There is a Shona expression:

Kuvaka danga

Mombe pasina

To build a cattle corral before you have cattle.

That's equivalent to the English expression: Count your chickens before they've hatched.

Who's Your Mother?

2011-03-17T05:00:00.002-05:00

Just as in Shona culture one may call more than one person baba, father, so one may call more than one person amai*, mother. In the same way that all brothers of one's biological father are addressed as baba, so one's biological mother and her sisters are addressed as amai. Similarly, elder sisters of one's biological mother are referred to as amaiguru or maiguru. and younger sisters are referred to as amainini or mainini in the same way that elder brothers of one's biological father are referred to as baba mukuru and younger brothers are referred to as baba munini or baba mudiki.

This way of expressing family relationships is very logical and makes clear where in the hierarchical family structure every member of the family fits. Each time one speaks to or about one's parents and/or their siblings, that person's location and responsibilities within the family structure are identified and reinforced. This will become clearer as names for other family members are discussed.

*In most Bantu languages the word for mother is mama. Shona tends to use amai, sometimes shortened to simply mai. It is interesting that the Portuguese word for mother is mai. With the definite article it becomes a mai. Could this use of the Portuguese expression for mother in Shona be related to the contact between early Portuguese explorers and and the Monomutapa, ruler of the 16th century kingdom from which modern Shona people are descended? I'm sure some scholar has researched this issue. Said scholar has yet to reveal himself or the results of his research to me. Maybe some day.

Tsumo - Shumo

2011-03-15T05:00:00.002-05:00

Chinokanganwa ibadza

ivhu harikanganwe

The hoe forgets but the soil does not.

-- Shona Proverb
From Tsumo - Shumo by Mordikai A. Hamutyinei and Albert B. Plangger

The offender easily forgets but not the offended.

Victoria Falls Rain Forest

2011-03-13T10:34:00.007-05:00

A rain forest stretches from the Devil's Cataract to the Main Falls.

Heavy spray from the falls makes possible the lush vegetation of the rain forest.

The rain forest scenes in the 1985 version of the movie King Solomon's Mines staring Richard Chamberlain and Sharon Stone were filmed in the rain forest at Victoria Falls.

The 1985 version of King Solomon's Mines is probably the worst movie adaptation of the book ever made. When driving down Enterprise Road in Harare one day my family and I saw what appeared to be a huge clay pot on the back of a lorry in front of us. It turned out to be a prop from the movie. In the movie Richard Chamberlain and Sharon Stone are tossed into a pot full of plastic vegetables, presumably to make some sort of unappetizing soup. (Typical of the silliness of this movie.)

The set for the exotic town scene in the movie was constructed beside the main highway from Harare to Kadoma near the cut-offs for the Larvon Bird Garden and the Lion and Cheetah Park. Plans were for it to be developed as a tourist attraction. It mysteriously burned without ever being exploited for tourism.

A visit to Victoria Falls and a stroll through the rain forest is highly recommended. Only watch the 1985 version of King Solomon's Mines if you need a few laughs. (The 1950 version of the movie staring Stewart Granger and Deborah Kerr filmed in East Africa is the best version. An earlier version with Paul Robeson is interesting as well.)

Who's Your Father?

2011-03-11T15:08:00.005-06:00

The young Shona man approached his European employer and asked for time off to visit his musha* for the funeral of his father. His employer felt sympathy for his faithful worker in his time of sorrow and granted his request.

A few months later the same young man again approached his employer and once again requested time off for the funeral of his father. This time his employer began to berate him. "What kind of fool do you think I am? You just buried your father a few months ago. Don't make up lies just to get a holiday. Be off with you! You no longer work here."

This unfortunate termination of a loyal worker was the result of differing understandings of the answer to the question "Who's your father?" on the part of members of the Shona community and Europeans.

For the European, one's father is his immediate male progenitor. One only has one father (although allowance is made for step-fathers). In Shona culture, one may have many fathers. The Shona word for father, baba**, refers not only to one's immediate male progenitor, it also includes all of that person's male siblings.

A person's father's brother is called baba. If he is an older brother of his father, he is baba mukuru. If he is a younger brother, he is baba munini.

So, the answer to the question "Who's your father?" depends upon the language you're using or the culture within which you are operating. If you try to operate with word for word translations, you can end up with misunderstandings, broken relationships and conflict.

*musha -- homestead

**Baba is pronounced with implosive "b"s as opposed to the explosive "b" used in English. Hold a piece of light paper in front of your mouth and say "b." If the paper moves, you have used an explosive "b." The puff of air exploding from your mouth moves the paper. The implosive "b" will not move the paper since any movement of air flows gently into the mouth rather than exploding outward. Shona has explosive "b"s as well as implosive. The explosive "b" is written as "bh."

Tsumo - Shumo

2011-03-08T05:00:00.002-06:00

Muromo haupi

chinopa maoko

The mouth doesn't give. The hands give.

-- Shona Proverb
From Tsumo - Shumo by Mordikai A. Hamutyinei and Albert B. Plangger

"Actions speak louder than words" would be an English equivalent.

Great Zimbabwe -- The Acropolis

2011-03-06T12:04:00.006-06:00

Great Zimbabwe has two major structures. The Acropolis sits upon the mountain top and the Valley enclosure sits in the valley below. See entry Great Zimbabwe for detailed pictures.

The valley floor is strewn with unrestored ruins and an abundance of native aloes.

Old Hwange Photos

2011-02-27T17:03:00.003-06:00

Elephant in Hwange

Young Impala Male -- Hwange

Buffalo at Hwange Water Hole

There was a mother hippo and her baby in this water hole. The baby decided to challenge the buffaloes' right to drink there. It charged up to the edge of the water startling the buffalo who moved away a bit. The emboldened baby hippo charged again. The buffalo looked at it with disbelief whereupon it charged again, moving out of the water. The buffalo became irritated by the interruption of their morning drink and decided to depart until later.

The little hippo who could, began to leap about in the water in celebration of its great feat of bravery and daring. It spied a lone elephant drinking at the other side of the watering hole and began to swim toward it to defend its territory against another intruder. That was more than the mother hippo would tolerate. She let out a snort and herded the baby back to deeper water away from the elephant. Even a hippo has to share with an elephant.

Send a Message to Mugabe

2011-02-10T10:52:00.002-06:00

Each Monday send a picture of former Romanian dictator Nicolae Ceauşescu to Robert G. Mugabe.

Each Tuesday send a picture of former Ethiopian dictator Mengistu Haile Mariam to Robert G. Mugabe.

Each Wednesday send a picture of former Tunisian dictator Zinedine Ben Ali to Robert G. Mugabe.

Each Thursday send a picture of (soon to be former) Egyptian dictator Hosni Mubarak to Robert G. Mugabe.

Each Friday send a picture of (should be former) Zimbabwean dictator Robert G. Mugabe to Robert G. Mugabe.

Maybe he'll get the message.

The Zimbabwe Dollar

2010-12-11T08:42:00.004-06:00

When I moved to Zimbabwe in 1982, the Zimbabwe Dollar was worth $1.10 US. It had just dropped from about $1.40 US, and at one time had been worth even more. In other words, to get 1 Zimbabwe dollar, you had to pay US$1.10. By the time the Zimbabwe dollar fell out of usage, it took in the billions of Zimbabwe dollars to purchase one US dollar. It's hard to keep track of how far the Z$ fell due to the dropping of zeros from the exchange rate during the process.

It is sad to see a once prosperous country fall so far.

Zimbabwe Carving

2010-11-21T11:31:00.003-06:00

Although Zimbabwe is best known for stone carvings, there are excellent wood carvers, also. This is an example of a relief carving which now hangs on our wall.

For Your Next Safari

2010-09-05T14:29:00.002-05:00

Would you buy this?

Ants work with acacia trees to prevent elephant damage

2010-09-03T14:15:00.001-05:00

Very Interesting:

Ants work with acacia trees to prevent elephant damage

Zimbabwe Chicken to change?

2010-09-03T14:07:00.002-05:00

Chicken to change? Robert Mugabe mocked in pop video

O Zimbabwe!

2010-08-21T12:31:00.000-05:00

(Click to Enlarge)

Battered And Tattered But Still To Be Loved