Vtumba (vtumɓa)
The second most prevalent ethnicity of Zazamanc after the Cunga-Mali, the Vtumba are a culturally rich people that are the prevailing group outside the cities and in the central regions of the Nbundo River Basin. They have a long history in the Nbundo, being extremely numerous, their villages dotting the landscape throughout and their herds feeding plenty as they strip the land of grass.
While individual variation should be noted and the two ethnicities are related, Vtumba people can be distinguished from the Cunga-Mali by their clothing and a few general characteristics. Most notable is their generally lighter skin color- though they still average quite dark - with dark brown to solid umber complexion, and their legs tend to be longer to, with calves longer than thighs which makes them comparable in length to the forearms. They share the broad chests of the Cunga-Mali, but generally lack the broad shouldered build except in powerfully built individuals. Their hair and eyes are generally much more similar, being various shades of black and brown respectively. Their facial structure has similarities but does have common features that are different: they have small ears; a steep forehead; a broad, rounded nose with a narrow, flat root; big, close set eyes; and thick lips.
While individual variation should be noted and the two ethnicities are related, Vtumba people can be distinguished from the Cunga-Mali by their clothing and a few general characteristics. Most notable is their generally lighter skin color- though they still average quite dark - with dark brown to solid umber complexion, and their legs tend to be longer to, with calves longer than thighs which makes them comparable in length to the forearms. They share the broad chests of the Cunga-Mali, but generally lack the broad shouldered build except in powerfully built individuals. Their hair and eyes are generally much more similar, being various shades of black and brown respectively. Their facial structure has similarities but does have common features that are different: they have small ears; a steep forehead; a broad, rounded nose with a narrow, flat root; big, close set eyes; and thick lips.
Culture
Shared customary codes and values
Vtumba tribes are closely knit communities who all depend on each other for survival.
Foods & Cuisine
Vtumba people are mixed hunter gatherer-herders in lifestyle and this is very much reflected in their diets, which blend wild game and domestic food items. The most notable of the latter is milk from both goats and cattle, although the latter is much higher valued. In addition to milk, goats are raised for meat along with sheep. Mutton and goat's meat forms the base of many dishes and is the most common meat by a considerable margin, followed by various wild game. Beef is only eaten during special occasions, as cattle are primarily raised for milk above all else and are only slaughtered when they are old and weary. Among wild game animals, lechwe, ostrich, and gazelle are among the most common, while buffalo, wildebeest, zebra, and rhinoceros are hunted when opportunity presents itself.
Common Taboos
Vtumba have very strong incest taboos among them: to lay with a relative is one of the deepest shames among them, due to the small, close knit nature of the communities they live in. Tribes usually have quite a few relatives within them and so it would be fairly easy to engage in incest if it wasn't so taboo, but such relationships are considered not only to be unhealthy, but also unclean to the point where it steins the soul. This stein can spread to the spirits and souls of the village and as such those who commit incest are banished from the tribe without exception.
Ideals
Beauty Ideals
Men are most attractive if they are tall and broad shouldered, but otherwise lean. However, these are not required traits to be considered attractive: the true attractive quality of a man is if he is a major benefit to the community.
Women are considered attractive if they are small of waist and full of breasts. Large breasts are considered to be a sign of a woman's fertility and are only considered unattractive if they inhibit the woman from walking. Women are generally considered at the height of their beauty when they are between the ages of 15 and 25.
Women are considered attractive if they are small of waist and full of breasts. Large breasts are considered to be a sign of a woman's fertility and are only considered unattractive if they inhibit the woman from walking. Women are generally considered at the height of their beauty when they are between the ages of 15 and 25.
Related Locations
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