My Photo scholarship 2010 entry
Worldwide | Sunday, October 17, 2010 | 5 photos
Close to the Mountain Kingdom of Lesotho, between Rosendal and Ficksburg in the Eastern Freestate, South Africa, is a national heritage site called Nkokomohi. Due to the number of sangomas living here, it is known as Sangoma Valley. But it is also called The Valley of Ancestors. Local Sotho people believe our ancestors come to this sacred valley to rest and impart their wisdom. The river, water, mountains, plants and herbs of the valley are therefore believed to be sacred and possess magical healing qualities. It is not strange therefore why each year many pilgrims make their way to The Valley of Ancestors to pray, grow, change, heal and deepen their spiritual walk. A few months ago I visited the The Valley of Ancestors to quench my curiosity about traditional healers and find out for myself what happens when you consult with a Sangoma. I went to consult with a healer called Monica, who is believed to be one of the most accurate, successful and powerful Sangomas - not just in the valley but in the whole of South Africa. After revealing some personal issues, she instructed me to come back three weeks later and do a 3 day cleansing ritual in those mountains. It was tough on many levels - I had to drink, eat and do certain things I never encountered before. I had to go without food for long periods of time. And it was extremely lonely from a language and cultural point of view. But it was very enriching, educational and liberating as well. I felt like Bruce Parry from Tribe. Exploring a place, people and rituals little known to the rest of the world. The 5 photos I submit share some of the highs and lows I experienced during those 3 days.
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