Qamata

For other uses, see Qamata (disambiguation).

Qamata is the most prominent deity among the Xhosa people of Southeast Africa. Qamata is believed to be the creator of the heavens and earth, and is regarded as the supreme and omnipresent God.

These ancestors who ceased to be in the physical realm live in the spiritual or ancestral realm and are guardians of humans living on earth. During their existence in the physical world and by the instruction of Qamata, ancestors created spiritual entities that would be responsible for guiding human life on earth. Humans may not see these entities, but they appear spiritually, in dreams or to chosen individuals during daylight. They can also appear in the form of figures humans can physically recognise, such as a fish, snake, mermaid, lion, swarm of bees or wild animals (izilo). These entities exist separately from the creatures which they possess and have a clear identity of their own. Their intended existence was not only for guidance but also to serve as a form of communication between the physical and spiritual realms.

In return, humans identifying as part of the Xhosa tribe perform spiritual rituals to confirm that messages have been received, necessary steps have been taken and to receive the blessings which Qamata has given.

The Xhosa symbolism for Qamata is the Sun, as it represents the cycle of life - from birth to adulthood to death and rebirth in African Spirituality. The symbolism of Qamata depicts the power of African spiritual imagery on the human mind and the consciousness of the Xhosa people. The image inspires the conception that Qamata created all things, is all-powerful and all-knowing. The God has neither part nor lot in physical appearance (gender, colour, etc.), reinforcing the idea of a supreme being superior to human life.

References

• Theal, George McCall. Kaffir Folk-lore: A Selection from the Traditional Tales. 1886: London.