Badimo

Badimo
Sangoma contacting the spirits of the Badimo through divination bones

Badimo (Sotho-Tswana literally meaning "ancestors") is the name for the traditional African practice of ancestor veneration for the Sotho-Tswana people of Botswana, Lesotho and South Africa. Although most Sotho-Tswana people are Christians,^[1] in reality a great majority of them follow at least some of the traditions deemed Badimo even if they are strong followers of another religion as well.^[2]

The term "Badimo", although usually translated as "ancestors" does not simply refer to people who are now dead, but rather to the "living dead". In the traditional African worldview, deceased ancestors continue to be present and are actively included in the daily life of individuals and tribes. It is believed that when someone dies, they go to live in the underworld. From there, they can watch over the living and punish those who displease them. The punishment upon the individual may be an unsuccessful life, sickness, accidents or non achievement. In order to appease Badimo or render them propitious, one should make offerings of beer, sheep or goats.