lobola

/ lɔːˈbɔːlə; ləˈbəʊ- /

noun

(in southern Africa) an African custom by which a bridegroom's family makes a payment in cattle or cash to the bride's family shortly before the marriage

Origin of lobola¹

from Nguni ukulobola to give the bride price

Sons of my father, I would not pay half a calf in lobola for one white woman I have ever seen.

When a native sends lobola for a new wife he has a new and additional hut built for her accommodation.

This practice, called lobola, still prevails universally, and has caused much perplexity to the missionaries.

For I intend to lobola for all three of you, as well as for her.

I will lobola for Nangeza, and soon I shall be an induna, and she shall be my “great wife.”

April 18, 2024petrichor

[pet-ri-kawr]

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