Home > Africa > South Africa > Related Images
Wedding ceremony among the Khoikhoi of South Africa
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
Wedding ceremony among the Khoikhoi of South Africa
Wedding ceremony among the Khoikhoi of South Africa.. Handcolored lithograph from Friedrich Wilhelm Goedsches Complete Gallery of Peoples in True Pictures, Meissen, circa 1835-1840
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 14208774
© Florilegius / Mary Evans
Anthropology Ceremony Completegalleryofpeoplesintruepictures Earrings Ethnography Friedrichwilhelmgoedsche Khoikhoi Loincloth Southafrica
EDITORS COMMENTS
This handcolored lithograph captures a poignant moment in the traditional Khoikhoi wedding ceremony of South Africa, as depicted in Friedrich Wilhelm Goedsche's Complete Gallery of Peoples in True Pictures, published in Meissen around 1835-1840. The Khoikhoi, also known as the Hottentots, are an indigenous people of Southern Africa, known for their distinctive culture and customs. In this image, we see the bride and groom exchanging vows under the watchful eyes of their families and community members. The bride, adorned in a colorful loincloth and intricately beaded earrings, wears a fur cape as a symbol of her marital status. The groom, dressed in a similar loincloth and a fur cape, holds a staff as a sign of his authority and protection. The Khoikhoi people have a rich and complex wedding tradition, which involves several rituals and ceremonies leading up to the actual marriage. The couple's families would negotiate the bride price, which could include cattle, sheep, or goats. The bride would then be given a dowry, which could include household items, clothing, and jewelry. The wedding ceremony itself would take place in the bride's family's homestead, and would involve the exchange of gifts, the signing of a marriage contract, and the consumption of a traditional meal. The couple would then move to the groom's homestead to begin their new life together. This beautiful and intricately detailed lithograph offers a glimpse into the history and culture of the Khoikhoi people, and serves as a reminder of the rich and diverse traditions that have shaped the human experience. Ethnographers and anthropologists have long been fascinated by the customs and costumes of indigenous peoples, and this image is a valuable addition to the historical record of the Khoikhoi people and their traditions.
MADE IN AUSTRALIA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.
