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Originally a clan system existed in the Kingdom of Swaziland which was structured as follows: Nkosi Dlamini: Close blood ties and high status - aristocracy Bearer of Kings: The class who have provided Queen Mothers. Clans with own areas and hereditary chiefs. Clans from whom officials are selected for rituals and administration. Through marriage these clans have intermingled but there is still a class system which regulates marriage. Within the aristocracy, the first wife is never the main wife, status is very important and a second wife who has a higher pedigree will take precedence. A preferential marriage is arranged by the parents which bestows a higher status upon the union forming a permanent bond between the families. The bridegroom's family provide the desired number of cattle "lobola" in keeping with the bride's family background and the marriage ceremony may take several days before the bride is finally anointed to indicate that the marriage has taken place. In a private marriage, when there is no public ceremony, the girls parents may oppose the marriage, or the girl has no family or funds to provide the public ceremony. The arrival of a child in a Swazi home is a source of great joy to all the members of the family. However, the rights of fatherhood are acquired through the "lobola" or dowry. If no cattle have been given the child remains with the mother's family. Swazi families are usually large operating in the extended tradition. The child will be taught to share both the fruits and problems of life with the other family members. Discipline and a share of family responsibility is ingrained in the child from an early age. The father is the head of the homestead, his authority is respected and obeyed. Boys will be taught by male members of the family and assume male roles and skills, similarly, girls will learn from their mothers and female relations. Boys enter regiments in which they will train with others of similar age, growing with the same group throughout life. The regiment's members are expected to support each other and close friendships are formed across clan boundaries. Only when the young man reaches mature warrior status does he consider courtship, as his previous responsibilities involved participation in national projects and festivals. Grandparents teach the young to respect the parents. Old age is treated with great respect within the Swazi Culture as the social, political and religious roles gain importance within the family unit. Grandparents can also act as a counter balance between parents and their children lending their wisdom and counsel in times of strife. |
