Swivongo: Tsonga Clan Names and Praises
A Tsonga clan name is a xivongo, plural swivongo, and the praise that belongs to it is the xiphato xa xivongo. [1] [2]
Many historical Tsonga clans were named after the chief held to be their first ancestor, and the clan name served as a family name so that he would not be forgotten. Junod set this apart from neighbouring Pedi groups, whose clans were often named after animals. [3]
The Tsonga praises published here come from Henri-Alexandre Junod's The Life of a South African Tribe, first published in 1912 and now in the public domain. [4] [1]
Delvah Mathevula's study of Vatsonga clan totems examines the taboos attached to them and their effect on people's lives. [2]
Swivongo · Xitsonga · A–Z
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Questions About Swivongo
What are swivongo?
Swivongo are Tsonga clan names. The singular is xivongo, and the praise that belongs to a clan is its xiphato xa xivongo.
Where do Tsonga clan names come from?
Many were named after the chief held to be the clan's first ancestor, so that his name would not be forgotten.
Where do the Tsonga praises on this site come from?
From Henri-Alexandre Junod's The Life of a South African Tribe, published in 1912 and now in the public domain.
How do I find my xivongo?
Look up your clan or surname in the A to Z index on this page. Each xivongo has its own page with what the sources record for it.
If your family holds more than the record does, add what your family holds.
Sources
- [1] The Wozekhaya clan record, compiled from the sources named on each clan page
- [2] Delvah Mathevula, Nkanelo wa Swin'wana swa Swithopo swa Swivongo na Nkucetelo wa Swona eka Vatsonga, University of Venda 2018
- [3] Wikipedia, "Tsonga people", citing Henri-Alexandre Junod, The Life of a South African Tribe
- [4] Henri-Alexandre Junod, The Life of a South African Tribe, Vol. I: The Social Life, Neuchatel 1912