The reed dance
Aug 31, 2010
Maidens took part in the annual Reed Dance at Ludzidzini, the royal palace in Swaziland. During the eight day ceremony, virgin girls cut reeds and present them to the queen mother. The Reed Dance also allows King Mswati III to choose a wife if he wishes. Mswati currently has 13 wives.
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Swazi Princess Sikhanyiso Dlamini takes part in the annual Reed Dance at Ludzidzini, the royal palace in Swaziland. -
Maidens take part during the annual Reed Dance at Ludzidzini, the royal palace in Swaziland. -
Maidens take part during the annual Reed Dance at Ludzidzini, the royal palace in Swaziland. -
Swazi Princess Sikhanyiso Dlamini takes part in the annual Reed Dance at Ludzidzini, the royal palace in Swaziland. -
Maidens take part during the annual Reed Dance at Ludzidzini, the royal palace in Swaziland. -
Maidens take part during the annual Reed Dance at Ludzidzini, the royal palace in Swaziland. -
Maidens take part during the annual Reed Dance at Ludzidzini, the royal palace in Swaziland. REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibeko -
Maidens take part during the annual Reed Dance at Ludzidzini, the royal palace in Swaziland. REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibeko -
Some of King Mswati's 13 wives (wearing red) leave after joining the maidens for a dance during the annual Reed Dance at Ludzidzini, the royal palace in Swaziland. REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibeko -
Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe chats with King Mswati III during the annual Reed Dance at Ludzidzini, the royal palace in Swaziland. REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibeko
