Southern Africa
Zulu Religion
Zulu — South Africa
Supreme Creator
Unkulunkulu
Also: Umvelinqangi, uSomandla
Core Beliefs
- • Supreme creator originating from reeds (Uhlanga)
- • Ancestor veneration (Amadlozi/Abaphansi)
- • Nature spirits (Nomkhubulwane, Mamlambo)
- • Isangoma diviners called by ancestors
- • Inyanga herbalists
- • Three-part human nature: body (umzimba), spirit (idlozi), heart (inhliziyo)
Key Figures
Unkulunkulu — Supreme creator, first ancestor
Nomkhubulwane — Spirit of fertility, rain, agriculture
Divination System
Bone-throwing (amathambo) by Isangoma
Priesthood
Isangoma (diviners), Inyanga (herbalists)
Sacred Texts & Traditions
- • Izibongo (praise poetry)
- • Songs of the Stars (Credo Mutwa)
Related Traditions
Scholarly References