Africa is a continent with a rich cultural heritage that has been passed down from one generation to another. Each country in Africa has its unique traditions and customs that are deeply rooted in its history and culture. While some of these cultural practices may seem bizarre or unusual to outsiders, they hold a significant meaning to the people who practice them. Therefore, it is important to understand and respect them rather than dismiss them as primitive or outdated. Perhaps, by providing clear explanations and shedding light on the significance of these cultural practices, we can help to bridge the gap in understanding and encourage people to appreciate the beauty and richness of African cultures.
Explore 10 unusual cultural practices in Africa
1. The Red-skinned Himba women
The Himba women of Namibia have a unique daily grooming ritual that involves applying a mixture of fat and red ochre to their skin. This practice has earned them a distinct appearance that is considered attractive by their male counterparts. However, the use of this paste also serves a practical purpose. Living in the harsh desert environment, the Himba have discovered that the mixture of ochre and herbs acts as a natural sunblock, protecting their skin and hair from the harsh desert sun.
2. Spitting as a form of greeting – The Maasai tribe
In many cultures, spitting on a person is considered rude and seen as an insult. However, for the Maasai tribe spitting is a form of greeting. The Maasai tribe, found in parts of Kenya and Tanzania consider spitting as a show of respect. Maasai warriors spit into their hands before shaking the hand of an elder as a sign of respect. This practice shows honor and signifies the recognition of the elder’s wisdom and experience.
Another curious aspect of Maasai customs is that when a baby is born, it’s customary for men to spit on the newborn and refer to the baby as “bad.” This practice is believed to ward off evil spirits and protect the baby. Also, on a girl’s wedding day, it’s a custom in the Maasai tribe for her father to bless her by spitting on her forehead and breasts. This practice may seem unconventional to outsiders, but within the Maasai culture, it’s a symbol of protection and good fortune.
3. Lip stretching – The Surma tribe
The Surma tribe is found in the southern part of Sudan and southwestern Ethiopia. No doubt, their unique cultural practices have drawn the attention of people around the world.
One fascinating custom in the Surma tribe involves the practice of lip stretching among teenage girls. This procedure involves removing their lower teeth to make room for a lip plate, which is increased in size yearly until it becomes an impressive size. Some of the men in the tribe also engage in a similar exercise with their ears. They stretch their earlobes over time, which can result in large holes in their ears.
Another notable cultural practice in the Surma tribe is the indoctrination of their warriors, known as “stick fighters.” To become a stick fighter, a young man must undergo a process that involves inflicting scars on his body. According to their beliefs, the more scars a man has, the more attractive he becomes to female members of the tribe.
4. Potency test – Uganda
In Uganda, the Banyankole tribe has a custom that may seem strange to outsiders. When a couple in the Banyankole tribe decides to get married, the aunt of the bride has to perform a “potency test” on the groom. This involves having sex with him to determine his ability to satisfy his future wife. Furthermore, the aunt also has to test the bride’s virginity, which adds an additional layer of responsibility for her.
5. Pre-marriage ritual of flogging- Fulani
The Fulani tribe of Nigeria has a traditional practice that some may find difficult to understand. Known as Sharo, it is a pre-marriage ritual that involves the severe beating of the groom by older members of the community. The Fulani are a semi-nomadic pastoralist ethnic group, and this practice is performed to gain esteem and approval before obtaining a wife. However, if the groom is unable to bear the pain of the flogging, the wedding is called off and the dowry payment is reversed.
6. Festival of the dead – Malawi
Have you ever heard of the Chewa tribe in Malawi? This Bantu tribe has a unique burial ceremony that might seem strange to some people. When a member of the Chewa tribe passes away, it is customary for the body to be washed before the burial. However, the washing process involves a practice that may be unfamiliar to many. The body is taken to a holy place where the throat is slit. Water is then poured through the insides of the deceased to cleanse the body. This is done continuously till the water becomes ‘clean’. The Chewa tribe believes that this process is necessary to cleanse the body and ensure a smooth transition to the afterlife. When the water is clean, it is collected and used to prepare a meal for the whole community.
7. ‘Stealing’ of wives – The Wodaabe tribe
The Wodaabe tribe in Niger has a unique tradition when it comes to marriage that may surprise you. For this West African tribe, marriage is not just about the initial arrangement but also the ability to woo and steal a new partner. This concept has been passed down through generations.
The first marriage is arranged by the parents when their children are still infants. According to tradition, the marriage must be between cousins of the same lineage. Then every year, during the Gerewol Festival, Wodaabe men dress up in elaborate makeup and costumes and dance to impress the women. The ultimate goal? To steal someone else’s wife. If a man can manage to whisk away a woman without being detected, he becomes socially recognized as the new husband.
8. Jumping of Bulls – Hamar tribe
In the remote Omo Valley of Ethiopia, there is a fascinating tradition that the young men of the Hamar tribe partake in as a rite of passage. The practice involves jumping on the backs of prized bulls while completely naked and running across their spines. To outsiders, this may appear strange and even dangerous, but to the Hamar people, it is a display of bravery and an essential step toward manhood.
To be eligible for marriage, a young Hamar man must complete the Bull Run four times. This practice emphasizes the importance of courage and protection of the family in their culture. Despite the potential risks involved, the participants must carry out the ritual with utmost confidence, making it a unique and fascinating cultural practice.
9. Wife Inheritance
In some African cultures when a woman loses her husband, her future is uncertain. However, in certain East African tribes, there is a tradition that ensures her security – marriage to her deceased husband’s brother. This practice is known as wife inheritance or levirate marriage, and it is quite common in these communities.
The idea behind this cultural practice is to ensure that the widow is not left alone and without any support. The marriage is seen as a way of keeping her in the family and preserving the bonds of the clan.
It’s important to note that women in many African cultures have no right to inheritance, making wife inheritance a potential source of stability for widows. Without this practice, widows are often left with nothing and face a precarious future.
10. The healing dance of the San
The healing dance of the San is a mesmerizing tradition that has been practiced by this ethnic group for generations. Spread across Namibia, South Africa, Botswana, and Angola, the San believe in the transformative power of dance. Specifically, the healing dance is performed to cast out physical ailments and negative energies such as hatred and jealousy. The community gathers around a fire, led by village elders who lead the dancing throughout the night. As they dance and chant, they summon “superpowers” that allow them to enter the spirit realms and bring healing to their bodies and minds. Interestingly, other African communities, such as those in Kenya, have also been known to perform similar rites, demonstrating the widespread belief in the healing power of dance.
Are you familiar with any one of these cultural practices? Are there other cultural practices you’d love to share with us? Let us know what you think in the comment section.
