The specific figure of 11 cows for lobola (more accurately known as ilobolo or lobolo) is not an ancient traditional custom but rather a direct result of a colonial regulation imposed in the 19th century.
The Colonial Imposition of 11 Cattle
Historically, the practice of ilobolo involved the exchange of cattle and other forms of wealth, with the number being fluid and determined by various factors such as the family's status, the bride's qualities, and communal negotiations. This traditional flexibility was significantly altered in 1850 due to colonial intervention.
- The Ruling Body: In 1850, Theophilus Shepstone, a colonial administrator then known as the "Administrator of Native Affairs," issued a decree regarding ilobolo.
- The Fixed Number: Shepstone ruled that only 11 cattle could be exchanged as part of the marriage practice of ilobolo.
- The Rationale: His decision was based on a colonial perspective that viewed ilobolo not as a sacred or cultural ritual, but as an exploitative business transaction that needed regulation. This perception led to the arbitrary standardization of the exchange.
Impact on Traditional Practices
This colonial decree profoundly impacted the essence and fluidity of ilobolo, which had historically been a deeply meaningful social and cultural practice.
| Era | Characteristic of Ilobolo | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-1850 | Flexible and Negotiated: Numbers varied based on status, family wealth, and the bride's attributes; often involved other goods or services, representing a bond between families. | Reflected the nuanced social dynamics and value systems of indigenous communities. The practice served to legitimate marriages, acknowledge the upbringing of the bride, and forge lasting bonds between families. |
| Post-1850 | Fixed at 11 Cattle: Imposed by colonial decree, driven by an external perception of ilobolo as a mere commercial transaction. | Standardization and Distortion: This ruling fundamentally changed the nature of ilobolo, shifting it from a dynamic cultural exchange to a rigid, fixed sum. It is seen by many as how colonialism bastardised ancient rituals by stripping away its deeper cultural significance and turning it into a mere commodity exchange in the eyes of the law. |
The imposition of a fixed number of 11 cattle by colonial authorities, driven by their misunderstanding and devaluation of the practice, is why this specific number became associated with lobola today. It was an attempt to control and standardize a vibrant indigenous tradition.
