Domba tshi swa - THE END (lit. BURNING) OF DOMBA   The end of domba is an occasion for great rejoicing, and for a gathering of the families of graduates in particular, and subjects of the chief in general. The order of events varies according to circumstance and to the whims (or state of sobriety) of the master of initiation. Most experts agreed that the correct order should be as follows: (a) Tshilala-ndo-ima (I spent the night standing). When a date is announced for the end of domba, the novices come expecting to dance through the night. But at about two in the morning, they are told that it is only a dress rehearsal, and are dismissed. On the following night, they are supposed to dance with their hands above their heads until dawn. In practice, there are opportunities for sleep; there are breaks in the dancing for the recitation of milayo or muvhudziso, or for novelties such as treatment with a special powder to induce sneezing (nyatsi); and novices are allowed to lower their arms if a small fine (10 cents in 1958) is paid. Just as the beginning of domba symbolised insemination, so the strain of tshilala-ndo-ima is meant to symbolise the pains of birth - and Venda women do have difficult labours in spite of what is said about 'natural child-birth' in Africa: they are simply taught to show no emotion.   The doctor gives the novice sneezing medicine, while the master's assistant looks on. Novices dancing with their hands above their heads on the last night of domba. Video Clip  Next  To return, click 'Back' in the browser.