dumwa
means either a magick talisman, waist beads, or a special hand-made small cloth with strings on the side that contains mbashto (mbinjiri or mishonga) and is often worn either around the neck, waist, or tied around one's arm.
It is, of course, intended to bring good fortune to its wearer, including protection from bad energy (mamhepo); however, for the most part, it doesn't come fully loaded with a serious mhiko ("a blood pact"). But that doesn't necessarily give you leeway to discard it willy-nilly.
Note: Dumwa isn't similar to chikwambo, chidhoma, or let alone should it be misconstrued as a sash worn on ceremonial occasions. Otherwise, below are similar words that mean the same thing as dumwa:
Related words
Synonyms |
|---|
Zango |
Zangshto |
Mbashto |
Chitumwa |
