Ritual Tools and Sacred Ceremonies of Southern Africa's Sangomas and Inyangas

Sangomas and Inyangas are wise and powerful healers who have been the backbone of Bantu communities, especially in the rural areas of southern Africa, for eons. 

In their practice, sangomas and inyangas use a number of different tools and objects. These range from powerful staffs which help them to communictae with the ancestors to ritual snuff pipes which open pathways to the spirit realm. Read on to learn about some of these tools and relics.

Ankle rattles are often made from Maronga seeds and are worn by traditional healers who believe they enhance rhythm and induce a trance. During the trance, when the spirit leaves the body it is temporarily stored the maronga seeds.

Amashoba are divinity sticks used by traditional healers. These sticks are believed to be the carrier of spirits from the user to the receiver, as a way of channeling an ancestral spirit

Amakhubalo is a necklace from the country of Eswatini, worn by a traditional healers. These necklaces are said to protect the Sangoma from evil spirits who want to attack their power as a divine healer.

A medicinal necklace is worn around the neck of a healer and contains gourds which are used to store medicine. This necklace, which comes from the Limpopo province of South Africa, contains two gourds covered with white beads which are often associated with purity although these meanings are complex, personal and differ across regions.

A set of different sized medicine bottles with elaborate beaded designs. These bottles are typically carried by a client who is actively taking the medication, or a traditional healer who administers it.

Nhunguvani are handmade containers used by traditional healers to store medicine. This container is made from carved wood and decorated with telephone wire, broze rings and beads. It belonged to a powerful and and highly respected traditional healer. 

This Nsangoma drum from Venda has multiple functions. When used by a traditional healer, the drum acts as way of channeling the spirits of the ancestor.

'Sangoma's necklaces' are specifically worn by traditional healers for protection from evil spirits. This one comes from Venda, in South Africa, and is made from animal bone and glass beads.

A sangoma hat worn by a traditional healer from Msinga in Kwazulu Natal, South Africa. Healers normally wear these hats, which completely obscure their face, when in consultation with a client as an attempt to channel their ancestral spirits.

Traditional healers use baskets to store their equipment. This basket is made from reeds and cowrie shells and smeared with red ochre. Cowrie shells hold strong power for many southern African people and can bring wealth, fertility and good fortune.