Lion
“Maita Murambwi, Maita Shumba, Matikaha, Kuona chiso. Hekanhi chiowa, Mushereketi, Vadzimba vedu, variritiri, Mutsikapanyoro, vana vaChivi, Vakanyairi, vadyi vemhuka. Maita Shumba yangu yiyi, Hekanhi burnhi rangu riri, Maita vaMhari, Chipamutoro, Vari Nyaningwe, Vari Chamahota, Maita VaMinungudza, Vari Baradzanawa. Zvaonekwa vaMhari, variChitonje, Vanomuka ngwe namasikati, Zvaitwa Matikaha nokuone gumbo, Kuone munhu vanovhunduka. Maita varere Baradzanwa, Kwakaparadzanwa baba afa, Hekanhi Mhungubwe yangu yiyi. Zvaitwa mwana waChivi, Aiwa zvaonekwa Mhungubwe, vaNyamukanga, Makovere. Zvaitwa muNyaningwe, Chiibwa.”
The vitality of the Shumba Murambwi totem lies in its role as a symbol of courage, strength, and leadership within Shona culture. It marks a specific lineage, links bearers to their ancestors, and guides them to live with dignity and responsibility. The totem also regulates kinship through marriage rules and is used in praise poetry to affirm identity, heritage, and continuity across generations.
Lion
Vaera Shumba