Once the child is born there is what we call “ukuwisa” referring to “ukuwisa inkaba” (umbilical cord fall of). The maximum days of the umbilical fall off is 10 days, although in some cases this can happen even earlier.
After the fall off the “inkaba” (umbilical cord) is taken to “ubuhlanti” (kraal) to be buried there, although some bury it in the yard or “endlini enkulu” (sacred house, dedicated to the family’s ancestors).
The reason for this practice is associated with one’s identity/ background, that this is where you are from/ belong and that the person will always remember his/her home. That is why in some cases when people greet each other they will say “iphi inkaba yakho?” (where are you from?).
https://www.thebemagugu.com/faculty-press/voice/mother-and-child-heritage-dress/
