Tsutsube Music as practised by the Basarwa (San) of Botswana. Issue 1 (2nd January 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Phibion, Otukile Sindiso; Khudu-Petersen, Kelone
• Is Part Of: Muziki. Volume 13:Issue 1(2016)
• Page Start: 58
• Page End: 67
• Publication Date: 2016-01-02
• Subjects: San (Basarwa) -- Tsutsube -- trance dance -- eland -- Kgalagadi; Music -- Periodicals; Music -- Research -- Africa -- Periodicals; 780.5
• DOI: 10.1080/18125980.2016.1182377
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1812-5980

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This study examines the use of Tsutsube music among the Basarwa (San) of Botswana during their societal rituals. The research intends to look at the appearance of the antelope called (Phofu) eland as the Basarwa's most spiritual animal and the music performed. Basarwa of Botswana Tsutsube music is performed in four ritualistic stages, namely, boys' first kill, girls' puberty, marriage and trance (healing) dance. Different purposes served by these rituals and their musical genres are discussed. Participants included Basarwa, who originate from Central Kgalagadi Game Reserve but who now reside in Kaudwane village in Kweneng West District of Botswana. Other groups also participated during the 2010 Western Kgalagadi Annual Cultural Festival held in Kang village. Data were mainly collected by the researchers through consecutively conducted oral interviews as well as practical observations of performing groups. Documented information repositories such as the internet, journal articles and books were also used in conducting this research.