Beef cuts amongst the Bangwaketse: the case of motlhakanelwa

Abstract

The Setswana wedding is characterised by ritual intensity. Whilst some rituals are changing rapidly, one particular event that has remained relevant is the handling and sharing of the motlhakanelwa beast. Kgomo ya motlhakanelwa, the beast that is shared, is one of the most important cows in the Setswana wedding ceremony because of its ritualistic significance. It is presented to the groom’s family by the father of the bride after receiving bogadi [bridewealth]. This beast is called motlhakanelwa — derived from the verb go tlhakanela [to share] — because, after it is presented, it is slaughtered and shared between the families of the bride and the groom. This paper investigates how this cow is butchered and discusses the social functions that are associated with its principal beef cuts and bones. The material for the study was collected from Kanye, the capital of GaNgwaketse district in Botswana, over a period of six months between 2018 and 2019, based on interviews conducted with ten village butchering experts during wedding celebrations. In all these events, the researcher observed the slaughter, skinning and butchering of carcasses and took photographs during the study.