Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Mozambique Way of Life
You don't need to travel for long in Mozambique before hearing the word
paciência
(pa-
tience). It's the great Mozambican virtue and most Mozambicans have it in abundance,
with each other and with outsiders. You'll be expected to display some in return, espe-
cially in dealings with officialdom; impatience is always counterproductive.
Mozambique is also characterised by its cultural diversity. Each of its 10 provinces has
its own unique history, culture and tradition. There has long been an undercurrent of
north-south difference, with geographically remote northerners often feeling neglected by
powerhouse Maputo, where proximity to South Africa and good road links have pushed
economic development along at a rapid pace. Yet this tension has remained low-level. Re-
ligious frictions are also minimal, with Christians and Muslims living side by side in a rel-
atively easy coexistence.
TRADITIONAL RELIGIONS & TRADITIONAL
HEALERS
Traditional religions based on animist beliefs are widespread in Mozambique. The spirits of the ancestors are of-
ten regarded to have significant powers over the destiny of living people. In connection with these beliefs, there
are many sacred sites, such as forests, rivers, lakes and mountains, that play important roles in the lives of local
communities.
Closely intertwined with traditional religions is the practice of traditional medicine, which is found throughout
the country, sometimes in combination with Western medical treatment.
Curandeiros
(traditional healers) are re-
spected and highly sought-after. They are also often relatively well paid, frequently in kind rather than in cash. In
some rural areas far from health clinics or a hospital, the
curandeiro
may be the only provider of medical assist-
ance. In addition to
curandeiros,
you may encounter
profetas
(spirit mediums or diviners) and
feticeiros
(witch
doctors).
Most markets have a traditional-remedies section selling bird claws, dried leaves and plants, and the like. Div-
iners often carry a small sack of bones (generally matching male and female parts of the same species) which fa-
cilitate communication with the ancestors.
Population
There are 16 main ethnic groups, including the Makua (Cabo Delgado, Niassa, Nampula
and parts of Zambézia), Makonde (Cabo Delgado), Sena (Sofala, Manica and Tete), and
