Svikiro

Svikiro is a term originating from the Shona language of Zimbabwe, referring to a spirit medium. These individuals are believed to act as intermediaries between the living and the spirit world, particularly with ancestral spirits. Svikiro play a crucial role in traditional Shona society, often consulted for guidance on matters ranging from agricultural issues and health concerns to social disputes and spiritual well-being. They are believed to be possessed by these ancestral spirits, which then speak through them, offering advice, prophecies, or pronouncements.

The process of becoming a svikiro is often attributed to a spiritual calling, which may manifest through dreams, visions, or illness. Once recognized, a svikiro undergoes a period of training and initiation, learning the customs and lore associated with the spirits they channel. Their ceremonies and rituals are significant events within communities, often involving music, dance, and offerings. The authority and influence of a svikiro can vary depending on the prominence of the spirit they embody and their standing within their community. They are seen as protectors of tradition and the social order.