Paul Weinberg South African, b. 1956
Lake Fundudsi is a sacred site of the Vha-Venda people. It is believed that an albino python
is its guardian. The lake is inextricably linked to the Domba (snake dance) performed by
young Venda maidens who come to bathe in the lake as part of the Domba dance ritual
and connect with Vha-Venda water spirits. The water from the lake is considered holy, and
collecting firewood from the region is not allowed. It is believed that an unseen community
lives under the lake because local people report hearing drumming at night. Legend has it that
the lake once ran dry. In response, traditional healers advised that a young maiden needed
to be sacrificed to restore the lake. After Nangomi, the chosen maiden, was sacrificed, locals
testify that the lake never ran dry again.
