Revitalising the Traditional Use of the Kudu Horn by the Bakwena of Botswana

Abstract

This article reports on research that was conducted among the Bakwena at the Molepolole main Kgotla (Tribal Administration Centre or traditional law court) as the chief’s place is known in Setswana (the Tswana language spoken in Botswana) in the Kweneng District of Botswana. The researchers were motivated by the information they gathered during their annual ethnomusicology class excursions to Molepolole. The research focused on the revitalisation and conservation of the traditional use of the lenaka la tholo (Setswana for kudu horn) through observation of its construction and practical performances. Nowadays, young people do not consider practising traditional music. Thus, the researchers found it necessary to embark on the research to revitalise the musical use of the traditional kudu horn. Much as culture is not static, the researchers found this aspect of culture to be relevant to the current life situation of the Bakwena among whom the research was conducted. The aim of the research was to find out what the Bakwena still practise as well as what could be documented for future use and reference about kudu horn blowing. The main reason for conducting this type of research is that performance of the lenaka la tholo is almost obsolete and there is a great need for its revival among the elders and youth of Botswana at large. During their annual visits, the researchers collected data by means of oral interviews, recordings, and observation of practical construction of the instrument and its performances. In carrying out the research, some information was also obtained from different repositories such as books, journals and the internet.