In Zulu society, the thomba or male puberty ceremony marks the "attainment
of physical maturity, and the occasion is a very important one both for the
individual and for his kraal [village]" (Mahlobo & Krige, 1934:166). Elliot
(1978:142) is of the opinion that a puberty rite is not only significant in
terms of its social function, but is also pivotal in a young man’s spiritual
development. Stick fighting is a prominent element of male puberty rites,
and so forms part of the symbolic passage of a male to the adult world.
However, since Mahlobo & Krige (1934:166-181) analyse the thomba ceremony in
detail, for the purposes of this article, a brief overview of selected
aspects of the ceremony is all that is necessary.
The thomba ceremony starts after a boy experiences his first nocturnal
emission, thus providing concrete evidence that he is entering a new phase
of his life (Elliot, 1978:143). The boy follows a customary, set procedure
to announce the event publicly. Firstly, he gets up before dawn, secretly
steals his father’s cattle, and drives the herd to a place where they will
not be easily located. The father, on noticing the missing cattle and son,
announces the news and prepares the appropriate intelezi for the event.
Secondly, the boy’s peers follow the example of stealing their fathers’
cattle and join the cattle with the stolen herd. As soon as the boy is
found, the area around his stomach is smeared with "crab mud" and he must
swim in nearby water (Mkhonza, 1984:19). Thirdly, the cattle must be found.
Although Elliot (1978:143) acknowledges that differences exist among various
clans, the observation provided is in accordance with the account given by
Bryant
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