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= Phathisi =

Phathisi is one of the traditional dances from Botswana. It is categorized under the Borankana dance together with other dances such as setapa. This dance is mainly found in the Kweneng District of Botswana. The main village of this region is Molepolole.

Origins Of Phathisi
The name Phathisi originated from the costume/attire worn during the performance (tying of pants on the lower part with a peg, reffered as  'go phathisa' in Setswana). in the past, men who used to work in mines mostly used bicycles as mode of transport. These men would tie the lowest part of their trousers with a peg when cycling to keep them them from being trapped by the bicycle chain and tearing them or end up falling the rider.

Performances
Phathisi though performed almost in all regions/districts of Botswana was mainly performed at Bakwena cultural/tribal activities. It was mainly performed for entertainment purposes by both young and old. The performance set up for phathisi comprises of females singing, clapping and ululating while the men and boys dance and blow the whistle to enhance the rhythm. The choir (both male and females) wear matlhoa around the ankles to produce a rattling sound to go with the rhythm of the song and clapping of hands while the dancers wear diphathisi on their shin and beat it with palms of their their hands to produce a bomb-like sound. Phathisi is even performed in the annual presidential arts and culture competitions. In efforts to ensure continuity for the Bakwena culture, as a vital part of it, phathisi is the main dance performed at the annual Dithubaruba dance festival. Dithubaruba Dance Festival brings together Bakwena from around the world especially those from South Africa (Phalane, Phokeng, Limpopo), and Namibia. This festival is also meant to strengthen the sense of belonging and pride in the Bakwena people while promoting their culture through music and dance.

Attire
The attire for Phathisi was identified by men wearing pants tied down on the lower part with a peg. In the past, girls below fourteen wore makgabe (ravels) without dressing the top while women 15 years and older wore skirts made from animal skin referred to as phaeyana and dressed the top to cover the breasts. Older women wore two piece skirts named maratshane.In the present day, Phathisi dancers wear short pants made from animal skin whereas women wear skirts and tops made from animal skin as well. The skirt used for the traditional dance is called phaeyana in Setswana. Men dance barefooted while women sometimes wear traditional leather shoes. The Setswana name for the shoes is Mpheechane.