ABSTRACT
According to Schapera, 'each family was held to be under the direct guidance of its own agnatic ancestors, who in turn were interested only in the affairs of their own descendants'. Various medicines are known and used in connexion with childbirth. Medicines for curing barrenness are known only to doctors. During pregnancy herbal medicines are taken which cause the child to be 'loose' in the womb that is to ensure an easy birth. The initiation ceremonies provide the only remaining example of traditional ceremonial which is performed on anything approaching a tribal scale. The ceremonies take place in separate homesteads, the girls of the same lineage gathering at one homestead. It ends with the traditional thojane-night, which, according to Willoughby used to be 'famed for unflagging revelry and abundant beef and beer'. Traditional views relating to illness are recognized by many people, and a number of native doctors remain active in the Phuduhutswana chiefdom.
