Kaffirs Purify Child

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Kaffirs Purify Child

Kaffir ceremony of purification of a new-born child; in the distance, a child with birth-defects has been left for a wild beast to devour

Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries

Media ID 4380355

© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10082363

1726 Baptism Beast Birth Born Ceremony Devour Distance Kaffir Kaffirs Purification Purify Wild Defects

EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative image captures the complex and often controversial historical practices of the Kaffir people of Southern Africa during the 18th century. The photograph depicts a scene of the Kaffir ceremony of purification for a new-born child. The mother and child are at the forefront of the image, with the mother holding her newborn in a protective embrace, while the child undergoes the purification rites. In the distance, a child with birth defects is left for a wild beast to devour as part of the belief that the beast would take away the child's impurities and ensure the health and wellbeing of the rest of the community. The Kaffir people, also known as the Xhosa, Zulu, or Bantu, were an ethnic group with a rich cultural heritage and complex customs. This practice, although controversial and often misunderstood by outsiders, was an integral part of their belief system. The ceremony was believed to ensure the health and protection of the community by removing any impurities or defects that could bring harm. The image, taken from a historical archive, offers a glimpse into the past and sheds light on the unique and complex cultural practices of the Kaffir people. It is a poignant reminder of the importance of understanding and respecting the diverse cultural beliefs and practices that have shaped human history. The photograph also serves as a reminder of the human capacity for both compassion and harshness, as the community came together to support the healthy child while leaving the one with defects to fate. This photograph, with its powerful and thought-provoking imagery, is a valuable addition to any collection of historical or anthropological records. It offers a unique perspective on the past and invites us to reflect on the complexities of human culture and the diverse beliefs and practices that have shaped our world.

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