The Cape Dove has the strange name of Tsidzotononina (Unspeakable) among the Tankla or forest tribes, probably because its more common name had become tabooed or sacred through having formed part of the name of one of their chiefs. This seems confirmed by the fact that the other provincial name of this Dove, Katbto, is […]
Tag: Misfortune
Bird stories, Barn Owl (Tyto alba)
The Barn Owl (Tyto alba) known as xoch’, which is described as a nocturnal bird, white, size of buzzard or heron, the animal counterpart of witches, sign of death. The Jews believe that their cry causes the death of young children; so, in order to prevent this, they pour a vessel of water out into […]
Bird stories, African Pied Wagtail
It is so called because of its thin legs. It is said that someone who eats it must die. Its nest it used to heal asthma after tattoos are made on the ailer’s chest. In the Tembo tales, this bird was good at singing and the dog was good at dancing. Then one day it […]
Bird stories, African Olive Pigeon
Because of its song “Ngiuu, Ngiuu,†the Tembo people think that it is ill and about to die. It is also called “Chitinga†(= crown) because it has a crown on the head. It is a kingly bird. Edible. Kizungu, B., et al. ETHNO-ORNITHOLOGY OF THE TEMBO IN EASTERN DRC (FORMER ZAIRE): PART ONE, KALEHE […]