The Umhlanga or Reed Dance
Swaziland
Africa
Maidens gathering cut reeds at Mpisi swamp before
carrying them to the government farm. (Photo from
Swaziland Tourism Authority.)
Young maiden with reeds. (Photo
from Swaziland Tourism Authority.)
Maidens gathering reeds. (Photo from Swaziland Tourism
Authority.)
Maidens carrying reeds near Kwaluseni. (Photo from
Swaziland Tourism Authority.)
Maidens carrying reeds near Kwaluseni. (Photo from
Swaziland Tourism Authority.)
Maidens resting out of traditional clothes near Kwaluseni.
(Photo from Swaziland Tourism Authority.)
Maidens dancing outside the fenced enclosure of Ludzidzini. (Photo
from Swaziland Tourism Authority.)
Maidens carrying reeds to be deposited outside the Queen
Mother's residence. (Photo from Swaziland Tourism
Authority.)
Maidens carrying reeds to be deposited outside the Queen
Mother's residence. (Photo from Swaziland Tourism
Authority.)
Young children carrying reeds to be deposited outside the
Queen Mother's residence. (Photo from Swaziland Tourism
Authority.)
Traditional guard with young children carrying reeds to be
deposited outside the Queen Mother's residence. (Photo
from Swaziland Tourism Authority.)
Maidens depositing reeds outside the royal cattle byre.
(Photo from Swaziland Tourism Authority.)
Maidens running to pick up reeds outside the royal cattle
byre. (Photo from Swaziland Tourism Authority.)
Princess Sikhanyiso carrying reeds to then be deposited at
the Queen Mother's residence, sharing a joke with her
police escort. (Photo from Swaziland Tourism Authority.)
Princess Sikhanyiso and other princesses dancing with
reeds to be deposited at the Queen Mother's residence.
(Photo from Swaziland Tourism Authority.)
Maidens dancing, and being photographed by tourists, with
reeds to be deposited at the Queen Mother's residence.
(Photo from Swaziland Tourism Authority.)
Maidens dancing and singing before the king. (Photo from
Swaziland Tourism Authority.)
Maidens dancing and singing before the king. (Photo from
Swaziland Tourism Authority.)
Maidens dancing and singing before the king. (Photo from
Swaziland Tourism Authority.)
Maidens returning home after the Reed Dance Umhlanga
festival ceremony, carrying their luggage on their heads.
(Photo from Swaziland Tourism Authority.)