South-East District, Botswana – Reimagining Ritual

Weddings in Botswana are celebrated across several events, over many days and places. Key rituals may include patlo, the secret, gender-segregated advice-giving ceremony; the presentation of bridewealth, from the groom’s family to the family of the bride; a mass ceremony at the District Administrator’s office, which conveys recognition under common law; a church service; a feast at the ride’s place, and another at the groom’s. But no single ritual is necessary or sufficient to convey married status by itself. Many are put off while the couple raises funds, so that marriages frequently remain incomplete. Which rituals will be observed, and when, is a subject of extensive negotiation between spouses and their families.

For more information and a closer look, please just click on the images in this gallery.

AT THE GATE<p> The groom and his family lead their bride, or ngwetsi, into their yard. At the gate, women demonstrate the work she will be expected to do for the household.</p>
DANCES AT THE FEAST<p> The bridesmaids and groomsmen accompany the bride and groom in a series of choreographed dances at the wedding feast. Practice sessions for these dances run for months before the wedding.</p>
PATLO <p>Patlo , the ceremony in which married women offer the bride (centre, under blanket) advice and ‘the law’ of married life. Men, unmarried women, and children are barred from the event.</p>

View other galleries: WHAT TO WEAR | BROKERING MARRIAGE