Possibly the most sacred spot of all in Venda Culture is the enchanted body of water known as Lake Fundudzi is situated in the Thathe Vondo Forest, in Venda and is the home of the mythical python and white crocodile.

Lake Fundudzi, the only natural lake of its kind in South Africa, was originally formed by a landslide, say scientists. But the local people see it in a far more mysterious way. They'll point out that three rivers flow into the lake, yet it never overflows.

Venda Legend

A legend tells of a Venda man who had a broken heart because of the loss of a great love. In his sorrow he walked into Lake Fundudzi at which time he turned into a python. This python is the god of fertility and cares for the crops and who is pacified annually by the pouring of sacrificial beer onto the water and by young virgin Venda maidens performing the famous Domba-python dance.

The white crocodile guards the ancestral spirits who inhabit the lake. The fullness of the lake and its colour indicate the mood of the ancestors, and predicts the coming rainy season. This crocodile might have really existed because this Lake is still today infested by large crocodiles, and an albino might have once occurred. No-one washes in this lake.

When any object is thrown into the lake, locals say the spirits will catch it and throw it back out onto the bank to be discovered the next morning. However, to truly appreciate its importance, do a day tour of the area and hear the local stories.

The Venda will truly appreciate it if you show the proper respect by doing the requisite greeting when you first see the lake. Turn your back to it, and bend down to look at it upside down through spread legs, a salute known as the ukodola.

Then please the gods of the lake further by walking down and throwing a few of your hairs into the lapping wavelets. The Venda will love you for it.

Thathe Vondo Forest

Lake Fundudzi is surrounded by the Thathe Vondo forest - so full of spirits that few Venda people venture into it for fear of the two mythical creatures keeping guard, namely the white lion (the spirit of Nethathe an important chief) and the thunder and lighting bird called Ndadzi which according to myths flies on the wings of thunder, its eyes flash lighting, from in its beak it bears rain and when it drops an egg at a foot of a tree this tree will be destroyed by fire.

The forest has giant trees (jakkelsbessie, yellowwood), a wide variety of ferns, creepers and a wealth of plants and trees which makes the forest nearly impenetrable on foot. One can also find the giant edible mushrooms, Nkoa in these woods.

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Water In The Venda Culture

Dance & Music

Venda Traditional Dress

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