If Vagina Had Teeth: The Shona Rainmaking Ceremony in Western Mozambique

If Vagina Had Teeth: The Shona Rainmaking Ceremony in Western Mozambique

  • Overview
  • Crew

Status

Released

Release Date

Mar 26, 2009

Runtime

0h 58m

Genres

Documentary

Original Title

If Vagina Had Teeth: The Shona Rainmaking Ceremony in Western Mozambique

Director

Liivo Niglas

Description

"Ritual reversals" or "rituals of rebellion" are concepts used for mock rituals performed in Southern and Eastern Africa. During fertility rituals, like rain ceremonies, women in their songs and dances demonstrate obscene behaviour while they behave like men. These are secret performances open strictly for elderly men and women. Still, we were invited to record the rain making ceremony in the land of Chief Chassuka, Manika Province in Mozambique, in order to document the ritual for the younger generations. These rituals are a fading tradition probably due to the special character of the songs and dances.