The Umhlanga or Reed Dance

Swaziland

Africa

Maidens gathering cut reeds at Mpisi swamp before carrying them to the government farm. (Photo from

Swaziland Tourism Authority.)

Young maiden with reeds. (Photo from Swaziland Tourism Authority.)

Maidens gathering reeds. (Photo from Swaziland Tourism Authority.)

Maidens carrying reeds near Kwaluseni. (Photo from Swaziland Tourism Authority.)

Maidens carrying reeds near Kwaluseni. (Photo from Swaziland Tourism Authority.)

Maidens resting out of traditional clothes near Kwaluseni. (Photo from Swaziland Tourism Authority.)

Maidens dancing outside the fenced enclosure of Ludzidzini. (Photo from Swaziland Tourism Authority.)

Maidens carrying reeds to be deposited outside the Queen Mother's residence. (Photo from Swaziland Tourism

Authority.)

Maidens carrying reeds to be deposited outside the Queen Mother's residence. (Photo from Swaziland Tourism

Authority.)

Young children carrying reeds to be deposited outside the Queen Mother's residence. (Photo from Swaziland Tourism

Authority.)

Traditional guard with young children carrying reeds to be deposited outside the Queen Mother's residence. (Photo

from Swaziland Tourism Authority.)

Maidens depositing reeds outside the royal cattle byre.

(Photo from Swaziland Tourism Authority.)

Maidens running to pick up reeds outside the royal cattle byre. (Photo from Swaziland Tourism Authority.)

Princess Sikhanyiso carrying reeds to then be deposited at the Queen Mother's residence, sharing a joke with her

police escort. (Photo from Swaziland Tourism Authority.)

Princess Sikhanyiso and other princesses dancing with reeds to be deposited at the Queen Mother's residence.

(Photo from Swaziland Tourism Authority.)

Maidens dancing, and being photographed by tourists, with reeds to be deposited at the Queen Mother's residence.

(Photo from Swaziland Tourism Authority.)

Maidens dancing and singing before the king. (Photo from Swaziland Tourism Authority.)

Maidens dancing and singing before the king. (Photo from Swaziland Tourism Authority.)

Maidens dancing and singing before the king. (Photo from Swaziland Tourism Authority.)

Maidens returning home after the Reed Dance Umhlanga festival ceremony, carrying their luggage on their heads.

(Photo from Swaziland Tourism Authority.)