Umfana

Umfana is the sixth stage of the Xhosa man milestones. It refers to a young man, this is at the age of 25-35, and he is a warrior. This is a stage where he is eligible to look for a wife.

Figure 1 – Ransburg, C., Publications (1976) Xhosa Umfana wearing (Iphoco)[ONLINE] Figure 2 - Brooklyn Museum (1930s-1940s) neck ornament Iphoco. Glass seed beads, fiber, 3 1/2 x 2 3/4 in. (8.9 x 7.0 cm.[ONLINE] Umfana's other roles are hunting and protecting his home and community. In this stage, he is wearing, a beaded headband, a halo that plays a significant role in protecting him, He is wearing several necklaces, one, in particular, is a rectangular necklace, (Iphoco) (see fig 1,2) which is a symbol of graduation from being (Ikrwala), he is carrying a bag with a smoking pipe and tobacco (see fig 3). Figure 3 - Elliot, A., (1970:75)  This is Umfana (a young man) He wears a kilt like a skirt that shows a special significance, given to him by his sweetheart (see fig 3). According to Elliot, A., (1970:75) “This defines his boast that he has made the conquest of a heart to his friends. (Elliot, 1970)