Umkhwetha.

The fourth stage is Umkhwetha. It refers to the initiate of manhood. This stage refers to the ages of 18-25 years old. This is the stage of ending adolescence; it is a process in the form of circumcision.

Figure 1 - Elliot, A., (1970:137) This is an Umkhwetha. (The Magical World of the Xhosa)

Figure 2 - Elliot, A., (1970:83) young mothers building a grass hut for initiates. ( The Magical World of the Xhosa)

Figure 3 - Elliot, A., (1970:83) initiates sitting in front of a grass hut. ( The Magical World of the Xhosa)

The Abakhwetha (initiates-in-training) smear White clay on their bodies from head to toe (see fig 1). In addition, they live in special grass huts (see fig 2) isolated from villages or towns for several weeks. Elliot, A., (1970) “They are like soldiers inducted into the army, they have their heads shaved” (see fig 1). They wear a loincloth and a blanket for warmth (see fig 3). There is an expectation to observe numerous taboos (prohibitions) and to act deferentially to their adult male leaders. Different stages in the initiation process distinguished by the sacrifice of a goat. I will be focusing on the way they look at this stage, the look that signifies their status, the white clay, the blanket, the significance of this stage in his milestones to design a piece or pieces of jewellery that will be an adornment attached to his status. (Elliot, 1970)