Traditional Taboos Defined: Conflict Prevention Myths and Realities
By Obediah Dodo
Published by IDA Publishes (2015)
ISBN: 978-0-79-74-6130-7
AFRICAN societies are governed by different social norms, values and taboos rooted in culture and traditions.
For example, in Zimbabwe, traditionalists consider the month of November sacred.
In November, ceremonies that include weddings and rain-asking ceremonies, among others are forbidden.
This clearly shows that every society has its own traditions and superstitions linked to culture so that they shape human behaviour.
It is through socialisation and experiences within certain traditions that behaviour is manifested.
Children who are raised in a society entrenched in violence are likely to become violent in future as a result of the norms and values imbued in them.
To protect their clans and future generations, many societies in Africa are moulded by taboos and myths incorporated in traditions that ensure people’s development.
Under review this week is a book that talks to the role of taboos in African societies.
Written by a Zimbabwean author, Obediah Dodo, the book is titled, Traditional Taboos Defined: Conflict Prevention Myths and Realities.
The book is a piece of literature written with the idea of highlighting the existence of taboos and myths in societies that make up Zimbabwe.
It is a book that gives an in-depth analysis of taboos by defining them as well as showing their importance in shaping human behaviour in Zimbabwe.
In other words, it is a book that stresses that with the existence of, and belief in, taboos and myths in a given society, conflicts are likely to be avoided.
Writes Dodo: “A taboo is a system or act of setting apart a person, an object or a place as sacred to achieve conservation, respect and continuity.
The taboos were meant to regulate the behaviours of the people, help conserve natural resources and the environment and respect the existence of other creatures.”
In his arguments, the writer does well in bringing out that taboos’ enforcement comes at different levels that include individual, family and community.
Each level is crucial in ensuring a smooth controlling of behaviour to enable society development and peace.
Dodo’s observations show that if a society does not instill good values within its people, conflicts and challenges are likely to occur.
This is evident in some societies in Africa where there is recurrence of conflict due to the idea of people within those societies ‘enjoying’ being branded as violent breeds.
One can therefore say that some conflicts are culture-influenced.
Dodo points out that the existence of taboos highlights the importance of the traditional education system and its power in preserving African indigenous knowledge.
Writes Dodo: “Taboos are not cast in stone that they are static across generations and time.
Instead, they can be changed, wiped off or have others devised and added onto the list depending on the prevailing circumstances and challenges, geographical location, culture and people’s perception towards their resources and heritage.”
The book also stresses that the existence of taboos within a society has highlighted the unique way of how Africans impart knowledge to their children.
More importantly, the writer does well in acknowledging the role of traditional education system which assisted in various ways that include the preservation of the nature, instilling peace and encouraging development in society.
On their purpose in life, Dodo says: “Taboos may cover a variety of subjects, such as restrictions on same family marriages, restrictions on consumption of some foods, conditions on dressing and killing a person or killing a sacred animal.”
In order to cement his argument, the writer makes use of other scholars who give different perspectives on the subject of taboos.
His emphasis is that the existence of taboos is not to scare people but to regulate societal behaviour.
According to the author, without certain taboos, some societies would be in chaos.
He says taboos preserve morals, maintain health, ensure safety, instill discipline and sustain traditional values and customs, among other roles.
Some of the taboos Dodo writes about include:
“Ukarova amai unotanda botso,” (If you assault your mother, you face misfortunes) – this taboo is meant to protect vulnerable mothers from their children’s violent behaviours.
“Munhu akapfeka nguo tsvuku nguva yekunaya, anorohwa nemheni,” (Wearing coloured apparel during the rainy season attracts lightning).
However, the book also highlights that despite playing a role of instilling good behaviour, taboos are facing challenges in contemporary African societies.
Some of the challenges that Dodo mentions include religion, urbanisation, globalisation and political interference.
Writes Dodo: “Most of the traditional processes seem to be losing value and place in the face of globalisation which is influencing rural-urban migration and ‘technologisation’ of the social systems, amongst others.
Communities also abandon some of their traditional taboos through urbanisation.
As people move from rural areas into urban areas, there are some concepts and beliefs which they condemn as backward.”
Traditional Taboos Defined: Conflict Prevention, Myths and Realities is one treasure that documents and preserves African heritage embedded in traditional systems.
It is a must-read!