Voor de kenners.
Beelden van de Tsonga komen zeer zeldzaam voor, zoals
u wellicht weet.
Deze is verzameld in 1970.
Hout, natuurlijke pigmenten, hoogte 24 cm.

The Tsonga people are a Bantu ethnic group primarily found in Southern Mozambique and South Africa, with smaller populations in Zimbabwe and Eswatini. They speak the Xitsonga language and have a rich cultural heritage that includes traditional beliefs and practices.

Overview of the Tsonga PeopleThe Tsonga people, also known as Vatsonga, are a Bantu ethnic group primarily found in Southern Mozambique and South Africa, particularly in Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces. They also have smaller populations in Zimbabwe and Eswatini. The total estimated population of Tsonga people is around 9.47 million.
Language and Culture

• Language: The Tsonga people speak Xitsonga, a Southern Bantu language, which is one of the official languages of South Africa.
• Cultural Practices: Tsonga culture includes traditional beliefs and practices, with many adhering to Christianity alongside their ancestral worship. They engage in mixed agriculture, growing crops like cassava, maize, and millet.

Historical ContextThe Tsonga were historically organized into independent groups, each associated with a dominant lineage. In the early 19th century, they faced conquests from Nguni-speaking peoples, leading to significant changes in their social structure.
The Gaza EmpireSoshangana Ka Gasa, a leader of the Ndwandwe clan, founded the Gaza Empire in the 19th century after conquering Tsonga territories. This empire extended from the Limpopo River in Mozambique to the Zambezi River. The Tsonga people were integrated into this new political structure, which influenced their cultural identity.
Identity and MisconceptionsIn South Africa, the term "Shangaan" is often mistakenly used to refer to all Tsonga people. However, "Shangaan" specifically refers to those directly associated with Soshangana and his lineage. The broader Tsonga ethnic group includes various tribes with distinct identities, such as the Varhonga, Vaxika, and Valoyi.
Understanding the Tsonga people involves recognizing their rich cultural heritage, historical challenges, and the complexities of their identity within the broader context of Southern African history.
Wikipedia

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