Photographer's Note
Tomorrow is a public holiday in Swaziland to mark the start of the Incwala, which will continue through December and in to January.
When I travel in Southern Africa and say that I live in Swaziland, I get a similar response from most Africans - that I live in the country with the strongest cultural traditions on the continent (although Ethiopia would definitely dispute that claim).
The Incwala is a centuries old tradition, that in a simplified explanation is described as a first-fruits ceremony, or a rain ceremony. It is clearly far more complex than that and certainly is a celebration of the monarchy, but also an expression of the unity of the Swazi Nation. Many of the individual rituals are kept secret from non-Swazis and the king has been in seclusion for the last few weeks in preparation.
Tommorow marks the 'little' Incwala in which groups of young men are dispatched to collect water from the many rivers of Swaziland. All the groups travel on foot, and one will be sent to near Maputo in Mocambique to collect the foam from the Indian Ocean. The water and foam will be used in later ceremonies.
Photography is deeply discouraged, so I will not be posting any shots of the ceremonies. The photo posted is of a Sibhaca: a male, traditional dance team and was taken a few years ago. Most of the country's top Sibhaca will be performing during the Incwala.
Critiques | Translate
Tue
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 12366 W: 57 N: 21807]](http://i1.trekearth.com/misc/g-g-g.gif){kind=small}
(82306) 2016-12-18 13:33
Hello Iain,
An excellent photo of this ceremony. You captured the many men very well on a row whilst performing their traditional dance. The light was excellent too. The note is most informative. Excellent work!
Lars
jemaflor
(135484) 2016-12-18 23:12
Hi Iain,
Interesting shot taken at a good moment with the attitude of people, good dynamic effect, perfect sharpness and light for colors, tfs.
emka
(152314) 2016-12-18 23:50
Hello Iain,
Superb dynamical picture from this original ceremony. Fantastic expressions and poses. Excellent composition and sharpness. Interesting informative note. The row of red Adidas shorts look eye catching.
Kind regrads
MAlgo
danos
(110407) 2016-12-19 1:17
Hello Iain,
splendid the view of this male traditional dance team taking place during the annually Sibhaca.I like the unique dance from all these native men.
Have a good week,Danos
jhm
(203085) 2016-12-19 4:39
Hello Iain,
The faces and feets speak book parts, a wonderful action picture.
You create a very well depth picture.
An excellent composition, TFS.
Have a nice day,
John
abmdsudi
(88597) 2016-12-19 21:27
Hi Iain
A fabulous image, what a wonderful experience you must have had. Indeed a wonderful opportunity well grabbed and accompanying story, I love the straight forwardness capture too, no messing about these guys who are seriously dancing to the sound of drum beats. There's a good sense of suggested movement and the linked between the faces and feet creating lots of strength and tension. Apart from any deeper meaning, this is lovely to look at and I love those stunning reds..
A joyful image, Congrats
Best wishes
CLODO
(45094) 2016-12-20 0:41
Hello Iain
a powerfull picture full of energy, taken at the right level! I don't understand why photography is discouraged, they want to keep it secret?
Cheers
CLODO
sacimar
(38173) 2016-12-20 6:13
Hello Iain,
interesting image of this traditional dance, the scene you captured visually is attractive, thank you for the information, well done,
Best regards,
Sergio
clic
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 2842 W: 0 N: 3595]](http://i1.trekearth.com/misc/g-n-g.gif){kind=small}
(23804) 2016-12-20 12:09
Hello Iain Due to sunshine, I presume they perform on safe pavement unlike the members of the Presidential Guard in Greece who have to execute sometimes on a rainy days hazardous 'can-can' steps!! Extreme surge of adrenalin indeed. Merry Christmas
delpeoples
(60326) 2016-12-21 3:52
Ciao dear Iain
This striking photo is reminiscent of the Maori Haka. I love the synchronicity and timing here. Superb bright colours and a wonderful sense of action and dynamism. The image is pin-sharp and beautifully composed.
Thanks for sharing, have a beautiful day
Lisa
BennyV
![Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2905 W: 35 N: 6199]](http://i1.trekearth.com/misc/g-s-g.gif){kind=small}
(32570) 2016-12-21 12:22
Now maybe this'd an idea for one of my beloved football teams. Haka-style to YNWA, a way to impress oponents...
Errr...on second thoughts...best give that idea a rest.
Great timing, good focus on the faces in the middle, Iain. Thanks for sharing this one.
Benny
serp2000
(47063) 2017-01-14 7:50
Hi, Iain! First of all thanks for so interesting note. I do love the Trekearth slogan: 'Learning about the world through photography'. Excellent shot, good capture of the expression of a dance. Good combination of the strongest cultural traditions and adidas uniform. Amazing mix! TFS! Best wishes! Serghei
Photo Information
-
Copyright: Iain Pearson (iainsp)
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 482 W: 0 N: 698]](//i1.trekearth.com/misc/g-n-g.gif)
(3298) - Genre: Άνθρωποι
- Medium: Έγχρωμο
- Date Taken: 2013-03-08
- Categories: Γιορτές, Τελετή, Γεγονός, Αποφασιστική στιγμή
- Έκδοση φωτογραφίας: Πρωτότυπη έκδοση
- Date Submitted: 2016-12-18 12:39
