TUSOMA - ICONS IN THE SAND

One of the prerequisites for sleeping in the Mukanda camp was for me to learn the basic symbols and signs of the camp. These signs and icons were drawn in the sand and I wrote them down in a book so I would memorize them. Benny Muyobo let me know that any mistakes would bring on the wrath of a whipping. Even though he had a grin when imparting this piece of information, I knew of the seriousness of what he was saying. Discipline and whipping are an integral part of the learning process of the mukanda camp and there was no way I was going to make any mistakes.

This iconographic writing or drawing in the sand, is known as Tusoma. It is a written code expressing abstract ideas, theologies, spirituality and other philosophies. What I was taught was very basic as they pertained only to the camp and life there (I have listed them below, together with their meanings). The young initiates in the camp are taught the full array of symbols - learning about their history, theology and other important life lessons. It is such a basic yet complex way of expressing ideas. Two signs can be identical yet have completely different meaning depending on which finger and in which direction they are drawn. (The pictograms above, carved onto the wooden tablet, clearly show the beauty of Tusoma). It is definitely something I wish to explore in depth and hope that I will have the opportunity to do so on my next trips.

Kateteveje -

This represents the place where the young boys are circumcised.

Chakamenga -

This represents the fire of the Mukanda camp. It is kept going constantly at night and keeps the young initiates warm. The fire where the young boys huddle around and chat is known as "lowa".

Indambala -

This represents the the window of the Mukanda camp where the food is thrown out of into the forbidden place. None of the initiates are permitted to look through the window. It is a strong taboo.

Kabulu -

This represents the place where the foreskins and bandages are thrown out. Again it is a restricted area.

Chevoyambaka -

This represents the sleeping pen of each initiate. It is where they sleep during their time in the camp.

Vimati va mukanda -

This represents the ribs of the mukanda camp. These are the branches which comprise the walls of the camp. The mukanda is seeing as a living, living entity.

Mikelenge -

This represents the arch on top of the entrance to the camp. It protects the camp from "juju".

Muka -

This represents the path or way to the mukanda enclosure.

Goma -

This symbol represents the drum which is the voice of the mukanda camp and integral part of life there. It is used to drown out the cries of the children when they are circumcised. It is also used to communicate with the village and when the boys are taught to dance.

Chitwamo cha peto -

This represents the stool of the initiate. It is used to sit on as well as a headrest when sleeping.

Mifu campulo -

This represents the flywhisk. Each initiate has one and uses it to keep flies away from their penis during the healing period.

Mbunge a mukanda -

This represents the heart of the Mukanda. It is a sacred spot within the camp where the ashes of the fire are kept and where the initiates urinate.

Vuta va mukanda -

This represents the gun of the mukanda. It is a whip-like stick than when struck, crack loudly like a rifle. It is used randomly, the sound frightening the initiates. It is supposed to instill strength. It is also used to communicate with the village letting everyone know, all is well in the camp.

Guya va mukanda -

This represents the needle of the mukanda. It is the needle the chikenzi uses when he circumcises the boys.

Chikola va mukanda -

This represents the door of the mukanda. The door is shut every night and opened every morning.

Mbagvakati -

This represents the stick which is placed between the initiate's thighs and attached by ropes to their waist. It's function is to keep the thighs apart during the healing process after circumcision.

Lusaki -

This represents the place in the mukanda camp where the masks are made. A large circle is drawn on the ground and masks are only permitted to be made within that magical area.