ikrwala, noun

Plurals:
amakrwala, amarwela, or (occasionally) unchanged.
Origin:
IsiXhosaShow more IsiXhosa (plural amakrwala). For note on singular and plural forms, see i-.
In traditional Xhosa society: a newly circumcised youth. Also attributive. See also abakwetha.
1963 Wilson & Mafeje Langa 50Cooking and washing up is done by the young men, amakrwala (newly circumcised), or boys amakhwenkwe, and the young men are served with a dish separate from that of the senior men.
1963 Wilson & Mafeje Langa 155The ikrwala refused to cooperate with his room-mates because he felt that he was being overworked.
1971 P. Mayer Townsmen or Tribesmen 86The amakrwala (youths in transitional stage after initiation).
1971 P. Mayer Townsmen or Tribesmen 91Senior boys (approaching initiation) and ikrwala (youths in the transition stage just after initiation) go away to work for short periods to show their manliness.
1976 Financial Mail 22 Oct. 3The boys are still regarded (sc. after circumcision)..as no more than amarwela or unripe fruit. Tribal elders must instruct them in social behaviour, rituals, traditional responsibilities and tribal law.
1978 Voice 15 Nov. 8Different ones from the elderly men take turns in lecturing to the ‘amakrwala’ young men, as they are now called. Gifts..are given by relatives and friends to enable them to set out in their new way of life.
a newly circumcised youth. Also attributive.
Entry Navigation

Visualise Quotations

Quotation summary

Senses

19631978