The Mbira Series: Mbira Dza Vadzimu - Dambatsoko, an Old Cult Centre
primary_youtube_id: l1upFmnU6C4
Extract 2
Extract 3
1979/2021
00:52:42
Zimbabwe
Possession, mediums in black, blood sacrifices, ritual beer and snuff - the elements of Shona religious ritual as depicted in this evocative film.
Physical formats available:
16mm
Digital formats available:
Quicktime (Pro Res)
Audio & visual:
Sound,
Color
Muchatera Mujuru was the leader of one of the last remaining traditional cult centres in Shona country. It shows him as a spiritual man, concerned with his waning authority in a changing Rhodesia (as it was then). Several aspects of the life of his adherents at Dambatsoko are seen, including ceremonies with mbira players in the big banya ritual house, at the mutoro hut, the rushanga shrine and at a sacrifice, as well as iron forging and other daily activities. Filmed at the Centre near St. Bede's school, South of Rusape, Zimbabwe.
Producer, and Sound:
Gei Zantzinger (University of Pennsylvania Museum)
Director:
Andrew Tracey (International Library Of African Music)
Camera:
Les Blank
Field Engineer:
Bud Huggler
Narrator:
Rosemary Logie
Collection
Constant Spring Productions
(18)
Ethnomusicologist Gei Zantzinger was an independent filmmaker and student of folklore who began making films in Africa in 1966, collaborating with musicians and other notable ethnomusicologists and filmmakers. His career in the social sciences spanned nearly 50 years.
Gei’s efforts resulted in a broad collection of 17 extraordinary films made between 1966 and 1997 that examine the roles that oral traditions, music and dance play in preserving and informing personal, cultural and spiritual identity in disparate communities around the world.
Collection
Music and Dance
(62)
Global selection of music and dance films and titles.
