Page 170 - A People Called Afrika

A PEOPLE CALLED AFRIKA

whole, thereby signifying the union’s wholeness and endless-
ness. However, oftentimes one does not pause long enough
to examine the deeper meanings behind things. As Dr. Bhen-
gu points out in the excerpts below, the circle has connec-
tions to spiritual aspects in traditional Afrikan spirituality.
“In traditional Afrikan culture and spirituality the image of the
circle is a prominent feature that permeates all areas of life.
In essence, the circle represents completeness, fullness. It is
the primal source of energy and wisdom. The circle is thus an
image of what is named God – that which is the source of all
things and continues to give birth to new possibilities thereby
offering hope. The association of God with the circle (or vice
versa) explains why many life forms, ceremonies, rituals, build-
ings in traditional African culture follow the shape of a circle.

There is a powerful reason why these circular formations are
prominent in Afrikan culture and tradition. Life is sacred, be-
cause life and creation manifest God. Therefore, life and cre-
ation are places of encounter with God. The circular shapes that
rituals, buildings and certain life forms follow manifest divinity,
sacredness, unity, completeness, inter-connectedness and full-
ness. For example, the circular shape of the rondavel is meant
to align the homestead with the Creator and the fullness of life.

The shape of the rondavel has deep-seated religious and spiritu-
al connotations. The rondavel represents the origins of creation
and the unity of life. It is a symbol of safety and fullness of life.
Similarly, dance gives expression to a deep relationship
with the Creator or represents a relationship with the Di-
vine Spirit. In traditional Afrikan culture, most forms of
dance follow the shape of a circle. For example, isangoma
(the Diviner) uses a circular dance when performing acts

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