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Mudau (Vhadau) Clan — History & Meaning
Venda clan · Tshivenda
Totem Lion — Ndau (Tshivenda). The Vhadau are documented as a lion clan, and the surname Mudau derives from this clan name.
History & origin
Mudau is a clan name of the Vhadau, one of the aboriginal Vhangona clans regarded among the first inhabitants of the Soutpansberg/Venda and parts of southern Zimbabwe (archaeologically present in the region by around 200 CE). The Vhadau historically occupied territory from Mount Songozwi/Sunguzwi in the west to Mount Tshitumbe in the east, with prominent chiefly names including Raphulu, Tshidziwelele, Mudau and Dewasi. As Vhangona, they were among the clans absorbed culturally and linguistically into the wider Vhavenda after the Singo conquest, while contributing much of the older Venda identity. Mudau is today one of the most widespread Venda surnames.
Associated surnames
Surnames that share this clan: Vhadau, Madau, Raphulu, Tshidziwelele, Dewasi.
We publish the full clan names (clan praises) only once we can verify them against documented tradition — for this clan they are still being confirmed. If you can share an authoritative version, corrections are warmly welcomed.