Title: UMSAMO NODENGEZI: Ukukhuluma Nokuxhumana NemiMoya YabaleleISBN: 978-0-6398582-0-3
Author: Bhedlindaba “VVO” Mkhize
English summery of Umsamo noDengezi (The Altar (sacred space) and the censer/thurible): Ukukhuluma Nokuxhumana NemiMoya Yabalele (Talking and Communicating with the Spirits of the Dead)
Umsamo noDengezi is a book that explores traditional African spirituality, particularly focusing on the significance of umsamo nodengezi in communicating with ancestral spirits). The book contains research based evidence about communicating with ancestors which encompasses some rituals and rites of passage. The book is meant for researchers in African Indigenous Religions, healing professions, psychologists, anthropologists, theologians and academics in cultural studies. The book is also useful for students in the above mentioned disciplines and practitioners in traditional medicine for the understanding and reconnecting with their cultural roots.
The book acknowledges the deep yearning for knowledge about African traditions, which have been eroded over time. It provides historical and practical insights into various rituals, the process of ukuthwasa (spiritual initiation), and the role of ancestors in guiding and protecting the living. The book emphasizes that understanding one’s cultural heritage is essential in maintaining a strong spiritual connection and ensuring the proper execution of traditional practices.
The book highlights key principles in working with ancestral spirits, including the importance of respect, proper communication, and adherence to rituals and rites of passage. The book also addresses common misconceptions and provides guidance on how to navigate challenges related to spiritual callings, healing, and traditional ceremonies.
The book is presented as a valuable resource for both practitioners of African spirituality and those newly exploring their heritage. It encourages a deeper appreciation of indigenous knowledge systems and their relevance in contemporary society. Overall, Umsamo noDengezi acts as a bridge between the past and present, ensuring that traditional wisdom is preserved and passed on to future generations.
The book is made up of 16 chapters as follows:
- Isahluko sokuqala (Chapter 1 is about African heritage)
- Isahluko sesibili (Chapter 2 engages the essence of religion in Isintu)
- Isahluko sesithathu (Chapter 3 discusses bout ancestral spirits)
- Isahluko sesine (Chapter 4 explains the sacredness and the observable symbolics of the birth of person)
- Isahluko sesihlanu (Chapter 5 is about the rituals and rites for a pregnant woman and also for the newly born baby)
- Isahluko sesithupha (Chapter 6 deals with the sacredness of family names. The surname is linked to spirituality and must be respected as such)
- Isahluko sesikhobisa (Chapter 7 deepens the discussions on surnames by venturing into praise names. The chapter also engages the birth of child following a rape case where the father may not be known)
- Isahluko sesishiyagalombili (Chapter 8 talks about Umsamo (the altar), purpose, construction and use)
- Isahluko sesishiyagalolunye (Chapter 9 explains ways of connecting and communicating with ancestors)
- Isahluko seshumi (Chapter 10 exposes the respect, value and treatment of Amanxiwa)
- Isahluko seshumi nanye (Chapter 11 discusses the Isintu rites of passage)
- Isahluko seshumi nambili (Chapter 12 identifies and explains the rituals for connecting with ancestors)
- Isahluko seshumi nantathu (Chapter 13 explains the rituals around the presentation of events, rites of passage and rituals to ancestors)
- Isahluko seshumi nane (Chapter 14 discusses the body parts of animals that are used in connecting and communicating with ancestors)
- Isahluko seshumi nanhlanu (Chapter 15 – The work of ancestors – and how to enable connectivity)
- Isahluko seshumi nesithupha (Chapter 16 critically