Tsumo
The Shona are exceedingly rich in proverbs. Proverbs are a cherished and interesting part of their oral literature.
Word definitions ndoro: shell-like white ornament (or real shell) worn generally on chest (of great antiquity, now associated with chieftainships … Read more
Definitions sesedza: help someone to walk tamanda: crawl on all fours hamba: move Translation Helping someone to walk is in … Read more
Definitions mano: artfulness. ingenuity Translation A plate lacks ingenuity; it doesn’t eat the food served to it. Application A person … Read more
Definitions jedye: bullfrog takunya: flick away Translation Flicking away a bullfrog is helping it cross over. Application Some things seem … Read more
Word definitions sanhu: axe ruzhowa: line of branches laid around an area as fencing Translation Chopping off branches for making … Read more
Definitions cherima: something that comes from the dark; something that appears unexpectedly or from an unknown source. Translation To give … Read more
Word Definitions mukwambo: husband of one’s daughter mbuya: mother of man’s wife gapu: an earthenware pot used for cooking relish … Read more
Translation To put up a roof, one requires the help of others. Application Some tasks require teamwork, and one will … Read more
Definitions gobvu: scar Translation There is no scar in fear. Inspiration Cowards avoid fights and as a result, are spared … Read more
Definitions mapapata: remains – scattered bones, generally of an animal. Literal translation To fear is to bend low; the crow … Read more
Translation When you explain something to a child, do so to the very last detail. Inspiration Children are generally inexperienced … Read more
Word Definitions chitumba: small makeshift hut dzamba: take shelter Translation Make two shelters instead of one so that when one … Read more
Word definitions riva: trap with a falling flat stone for catching small animals Translation Trying to capture an elephant with … Read more
Translation Skin is not meat. Application Being related to someone in authority should not lead one to believe they possess … Read more
Translation When counting cattle, counting those that are elsewhere is counting tails as well. Inspiration In communities that practise livestock … Read more
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About
ZimbOriginal was born from a passion for discovery and writing, and a commitment to never losing sight of who we are.
It is a place for stories on culture, customs, traditions, and anything else indigenous to Zimbabwe. ZimbOriginal not only promotes cultural awareness, but also supports learning and discovery.
