Modjadji: the Rain Queen

Maselekwane, Masalanabo, Khetoane, Makoma, Mokope, Makobo: it’s not a recitation of a magic spell, nor a list of exotic and unpronounceable fruits. These six women all share the title of Modjadji Rain Queen, and reigned during their time over the South African tribe of Balobedu. 

A universal difficulty in this world is finding a way to defuse conflict and maintain peace. First world human societies use law forces and penal systems; bonobos turn potentially rough situations into acts of coitus; and a rather unknown tribe in the Limpopo Province of South Africa unite under a common leader to reroute violence into mutual respect. Since the 16^th century, the Balobedu have recognized a matrilineal line of leaders which they call the Rain Queen Modjadji. Believed to have mystical powers of rain calling, the Balobedu Rain Queen has reduced both internal opposition and outside aggression through the indispensable properties of her presumed abilities.

Although now a reason for camaraderie, the beginnings of the Rain Queen tradition arose from scandal and death. Prior to the formation of the Balobedu Kingdom, a king of the Monomotapa region of Zimbabwe had a daughter, Dzugundini. Disgraced by impregnation by her brother, Dzugundini fled the village to the present day Balobedu Kingdom. There, she established a village under a male leader but soon, violence and unrest broke out between families. The male leader impregnated his own daughter to cease male dominance and begin a matrilineal tradition. The resulting child was born a daughter and the first Rain Queen Modjadji.

The daily life of the Rain Queen is one of seclusion. She is expected to remain in relative solitude within her royal compound where she utilizes her abilities to practice rain making. She has a Royal Council, which consists of chiefs from throughout the kingdom. The Royal Council selects the Rain Queen’s sexual partners, although she will not marry in the traditional sense. Instead, the Rain Queen will be given many wives from villages throughout her kingdom to serve her. This ritual bride giving is a way for the villages to show loyalty to the Queen.

Until intercession by Christian missionaries, it was custom for the reigning Rain Queen to commit ritual suicide once her oldest daughter and rightful heir was ready to take the throne. This practice died out with the third Rain Queen who died of old age. Still, several other traditions have remained, such as the beating of sacred drums, and barefooted prostration before the Queen.

Other factors are putting a strain on even these remaining traditions. The last Rain Queen, Makobo Modjadji VI, was very much a child of modern times. She is said to have enjoyed wearing T-shirts and blue jeans, and talking on her cell phone. Her young death in 2005 was marked by skepticism of foul play. One daughter succeeds her, but is considered unfit by the Royal Council to become the next Queen, as she was born from a commoner. The only other potential heiress is the daughter of Makobo Modjadji VI’s brother, who, as a descendant of the royal Modjadji line, is preferred by the Council. Controversy over this situation has yet to conclude, and it is feared that the reign of the Balobedu Rain Queens may be at its end.