Traditional cleansing and protection
Aside from their traditional singing and dancing, warriors were often cleansed and given extra protection by traditional healers and priest. As part of their induction into the military, new warriors were often made to go through special traditional rites with the traditional priest. During such private rituals, they were prepared to go through levels of undisclosed spiritual processes believed to make them mentally and spiritually strong while giving them physical strength. Depending on a vision of prophecy, warriors preparing for war were also made to drink certain concoctions made by traditional herbalist to help them. The mixtures could contain sacrificed blood, herbs and earth among other things. The bodies of the warriors were also adorned with signs and symbols which evoked strength and protection. Many warriors often went into a trance when the power was too strong for them. It is believed that warriors were also given special talismans to wear to protect them from death or carry two lives.
