ABSTRACT
The Lovedu are not numerous and, from a military point of view, they are insignificant. The fame of their queen, Mujaji, is spoken of even by white men as if it were the fame of the monarch of a mighty empire. The mist-covered mountains are an appropriate setting for the mysterious Mujaji, 'Transformer of the Clouds', for such is her great praise. The pageants are not arranged into groups by the tribal historian, but may present them as if they were colossal cycles, the cycle of the kings and the cycle of the queens. Men are discussing to whom Malaji has entrusted the rain charms, to Pheduli, 'the Drainer of the Rivers,' or to his eldest son, Madaji, whose nickname, 'the Filler of the Rivers,' is much more auspicious. The chapter provides the background of the royal group and the great diversity of peoples that make up the Lovedu.
