Zulu Names Polygyny and Gender Politics in Traditional Societies

Zulu Names, Polygyny and Gender Politics in Traditional Societies provides illuminating insight into Zulu polygynous families. It examines how Zulu anthroponyms used in respect of the living-dead reflect social behaviour patterns within homesteads. Names become social outlets for sentiments of hostility and ill-feelings caused by quarrels between co-wives and in-laws. Zungu considers the challenge of plural marriages and the use of witchcraft to fight for the husband's love and affection. Names are also used to reflect and ward off evil spirits, which may cause illness and death. Despite the influence of globalisation and modernity, anthroponyms reflect mystical arts and occultism (whether real or imagined) in traditional societies, and they are effective oral strategies between family members and/or community members.