- THE LOCUSTS   One of the 'locusts' dances up to a group of married women on the last night of domba. Several informants refer to this show in the singular: mutotombudzi (see also Stayt 1931:118-119, and van Warmelo 1932:68). The fire is stoked up, the phalaphala trumpet is blown, and the master intones Domba Song No. 11. Two grass-covered figures suddenly appear, stepping and hopping from side to side in time to the music as they advance toward the domba circle. The disguise of each dancer consists of two grass 'skirts' worn respectively over the shoulder and the hips, as well as a grass mask, with four large grass antennae. The figures represent the male and the female, and the former should have a massive phallus (tshitungulu) with which he simulates intercourse with the female. This is done in the standing position, which is considered abnormal for human beings.   Lesson Apart from the sexual implications of the show, the only mulayo that I have heard suggests a comparison between the arrival of the locust from the south and that of a girl decorated with ornaments that may have been made with iron from Tshimbubfe, or copper from Phalaborwa.   Mulayo  287 sidzana vhurwa (vhutwa) a nzhenzhemuwa: ndi na munna wawo. The great big girl from the south glitters: it is the locust and her husband.   Some masters say that this should be shown only after the last night of domba , before the girls run down to the river to wash.    To return, click 'Back' in the browser. Next