The analysis of Nkula symbolism throws into relief another major function of ritual. Ritual readapts the biopsychical adapts and periodically individual to the basic conditions and axiomatic values of human social life. In redressive rituals, the category to which nkula belongs, the eternally rebellious individual is converted for a while into a loyal citizen. In the case of Nkula, a female individual whose behavior is felt to demonstrate her rebellion against, or at least her reluctance to comply with, the biological and social life patterns of her sex, is both induced and coerced by means of precept and symbol to accept her culturally prescribed destiny