Wild Coast Culture

Wild Coast is home to the Xhosa people, Bantu speakers who are divided into several groups that have related but distinct cultures.

The traditional Xhosa culture includes amagqirhas or mostly women diviners who are also herbalists, healers, and prophets of the villages. The Xhosas have a strong oral tradition that tells of stories of heroes, including an ancestor who is said to be the first man on earth from whom the tribe got its name.

A traditional ritual that is still being observed is the secret manhood rites, which marks the Ulwaluko or transition from childhood to adulthood. During this, the boy is circumcised and lives in isolation for several weeks, usually in the mountains. They also smear white clay all over their bodies and keep away from certain taboos.

For the Xhosas, a traditional diet is usually composed of beef, mutton, maize, sorghum, milk, and vegetables. Since they usually live in fertile lands near river basins, they value farming and cattle as measures of wealth. Apart from these, they also engage in traditional crafts such as weaving, beadwork, and pottery.