Xhosa umakoti concepts explained

My cultural heritage is a mixture of Bhaca, Xhosa and Zulu; however I grew up identifying more with the Xhosa, as that is the side I was predominately exposed to, although I would be traditionally referred to as iBhaca. Having been raised in a family which did not practice traditional customs,  I would say that my understanding of many Xhosa traditions and cultural practices was minimal when I began with this report.

Through my personal journey of becoming umakoti and through the research, I have found that there are rules to be followed and even a specific hierarchy even among the brides within her new family. These are determined by many factors one of these being how long one has been married; thus giving umakoti that has been married longer superiority over a recently married umakoti., this is regardless of the wife’s age.

This report will highlight the main conceptses with regards to umakoti:

1. Ukuyala
2. Ukuhlonipha

Ukuhlonipha

The word ukuhlonipha means respect. Within the Xhosa culture respect is one of the most important things to show both towards others and to one’s culture. However for purposes of this report only some of the most crucial aspects of ukuhlonipha ka makoti will be addressed, such as the dress code, iqiya and eye contact.

• Dress code

The picture below on the right is of my grandmother who is wearing traditional mainly worn by older wives and women. Like the picture of the women on the left, the clothing still has the distinct Xhosa lines at the bottom, the middle panel and the black turban. As seen in the picture, she has covered he shoulders, as a sign of respect as she was attending an event. My aunt on the other hand is wearing a more contemporary take to the traditional outfit, since she is wearing a version of the turban.

Then	Now
Figure 1 CSIR. Traditional Xhosa dress	Figure 2 Bacela, V. Traditional Xhosa Dress

• Iqhiya

In the Xhosa culture, the turban is called Iqhiya and not merely as means decorate, but is worn as a sign of respect for towards their in-laws and their husband. (S, 2007). However, I personally believe that Christianity had its influence on this particular practice the same way it had in their dress code (Hodgson, 1997; Magubane, 1998).

Then	Now
Figure 3 Young Gcaleka wife (Costello, 1990)	Figure 4  Contemporary Xhosa Dress [ONLINE}[1]

With accordance to tradition, younger woman had to wear less elaborate headdresses, as the more elaborate headdress styles were reserved for older women due to their seniority. The above picture, is of a young married woman from the Gcaleka Xhosa tribe, as seen in the picture, her headdress is simpler.    

• Eye contact

With accordance to the Xhosa culture, a married woman is not allowed to make eye contact with other men, including her husband, at times even with older women within her new family as it is seen as a sign of disrespect (S, 2007).