Hottentots are the most mysterious people of the Black Continent
African Hottentots are considered the most mysterious inhabitants of Africa. They once inhabited large areas south of the equator. Now there are much fewer of them and they live mainly in Central and Southern Namibia and South Africa. Hottentots are related to Bushmen and together with them belong to a special small race — the capoid. What is so unusual about these inhabitants of African savannas and deserts?
The name Hottentots, which cuts the ear with its European origin, was given to this people thanks to the Europeans. The Dutch, who were the first to meet these inhabitants of the Black Continent, were surprised by their unusual language, replete with clicking sounds. Therefore, the colonialists called them hottentot, which means stutterer in Dutch.
They call themselves khoekhoen (koi-koin). By the way, the word "Hottentot", used in relation to representatives of this people, is now considered an insult in South Africa. For us, the languages of the Bushmen and Hottentots are indistinguishable, but in fact the difference between them is significant. Koi-koin speak the Nama language, which has several regional dialects.
If the Bushmen were always engaged in hunting and gathering, then the Hottentots were mainly pastoralists. Residents of coastal areas also hunted sea animals and even whales. The Hottentots also differ from their belligerent neighbors in their peaceful disposition. They willingly cooperated with the Europeans and were often hired by them as porters, guides and interpreters.
Hottentots have a number of anatomical and physiological features that distinguish them from other peoples of Africa. Among them there are people who are able to fall into suspended animation when it gets cold. In this state, the vital processes in the body slow down, and the body falls into a stupor. Once, all koi-koin possessed this ability, but now only a few have such a defensive reaction.
Hottentots are an undersized people. A man is considered tall if he grows up to 160 km. These people have copper-yellow skin, which ages very quickly. Because of this, Hottentots in 30-40 years look like old men. The bones of their limbs have a cylindrical cross-section and so far science cannot explain this feature.
But the most famous and amazing anatomical feature of Hottentots is steatopygia. This is the name of the excessive development of the fat layer on the buttocks. This is especially noticeable in the women of this people, whose butt grows to an impressive size. Surprisingly, the amount of fat in this part of the body in Hottentots varies depending on the time of year.
Hottentots live in small kraal villages. This is a settlement in which a large family or a whole clan lives in several huts. These people build round houses out of twigs, which they cover with animal skins. The kraal is surrounded by a fence of thorn bushes, and huts are located along its perimeter. In the center there is a large fenced area — a corral for cattle.
The clothes of the Hottentots are very primitive. Previously, it consisted of a leather cape and sandals. Now many representatives of this people wear loincloths, skirts and even short trousers. Jewelry is an integral part of the koi—koin vestments. They are worn with pleasure by both women and men. At the same time, representatives of the stronger sex prefer bone and copper bracelets, and women prefer metal rings and eggshell necklaces.
Since ancient times, the Koi-koin have practiced polygamy. The changes came only under the influence of European civilization in the first half of the 20th century. Now most representatives of the nationality prefer monogamous relationships, but there are exceptions.
The custom of "lobola" has remained unchanged, when the groom's family gives a ransom for the bride. Usually, cattle were paid for the girl, but now they are increasingly taking the equivalent in money. Everything related to female physiology, childbirth and babies among Hottentots is considered unclean.
To purify the mother and child, a special rite is performed — they are smeared with rancid fat and spells are read. After that, they are forbidden to wash, although Hottentots do not abuse the shower anyway — water in their area is of great value. Some women grow dirt on top of fat, which falls off in chunks.
The Koi-Koin people have never had a written language. Therefore, all legends and traditions are passed down from generation to generation orally. Most often, the heroes of fairy tales and myths are animals — hares, turtles, snakes, lions, elephants and rhinos. But sometimes there are also human heroes. At the same time, Hottentots do not share the world of man and animals. Often in legends, women marry elephants, and hunters and warriors talk to animals and act together with them.