Identity area
Reference code
ZA HPRA A3306
Title
Shembe Church Photograph
Date(s)
Level of description
Fonds
Extent and medium
Context area
Archival history
Immediate source of acquisition or transfer
Content and structure area
Scope and content
One photo of a large Shembe gathering, with some groups in traditional dress, others in white robes and others in colonial type outfits. Location and date of the photo unknown.
The African Initiated Church was founded by Isaiah Shembe in 1910. It is seen as a mixture of Zulu tradition and Christianity, which reveres Shembe as an African Messiah and emphasizes the Ten Commandments. The church has two main large gatherings, one being a pilgrimage to Nhlangagazi at the beginning of each year, and the other being a month-long celebration near Eshowe in October.