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The Xhosa people, also known as the Xhosa-speaking people or AbeNguni, are a Bantu ethnic group that have historically lived in South Africa's Eastern Cape area. They are the second-largest ethnic group in South Africa.
Xhosa Kingdoms
There are two houses in the Xhosa Kingdom. The Rharhabe House comprises chief ships AmaNgqina, amaMbalu, amaNtinde, amaGqunukhwebe, imiDange, imiDushane, and amaNdlambe. The Gcaleka House comprises chief ships AmaNgqina, amaMbalu, amaNtinde, amaGqunukhwebe, imiDange, imiDushane, and am Between the Mbhashe River and the Xelexwa River or Gamtoos River in Jeffreys Bay; ancient Xhosa territory exists; inland, it extends to the Winterberg Mountains at Somerset East.
Other Xhosa-speaking states or kingdoms that were tributaries or owed allegiance to the Xhosa Kingdom include the Thembu, which is located between the Mbhashe and Mthatha Rivers, Bhaca, which is located between the Tina and Mzimvubu rivers, yokuBhosha, Mpondo, Mpondomise, which is located between the Tina, Tsitsa, and Mthatha Rivers, and amaQ.
Xhosa Traditions
The Xhosas have a rich oral history, with many traditions about their forefathers; legend has it that the country's first King was the leader who carried the Xhosa name. The heir, Gcaleka ka Phalo, and Rarabe ka Phalo, a son from the Right-Hand dynasty, were the sons of Phalo, one of Xhosa's forefathers.
Rarabe's father admired him since he was a gifted fighter with extraordinary ability. Gcaleka was a timid, uninterested young man who lacked all of the traits of an emperor-to-be. Gcaleka's initiation as a diviner, a banned practice for royal family members, added to the confusion.
Due to his brother's popularity and fear that he would one day challenge him for the throne, Gcaleka attempted to seize the kingdom from his father, but Rarabe came to his father's aid and put down the rebellion. Rarabe would leave the vast site and live in the Amathole Mountains region with his father's consent. A retinue escorted him. He overcame the minor Khoikhoi tribes, murdered Khoikhoi Hinsati, and conquered the land. He established the Xhosa Kingdom's Right Hand House after governing different Xhosa tribes in the region.
The praise singer, or imbongi (plural: iimbongi), is an important figure in the Xhosa oral tradition. Imbongi usually lives near the chief's "great place" (the hub of his cultural and political activities) and accompanies him on essential occasions; for example, in 1994, the imbongi Zolani Mkiva accompanied Nelson Mandela to his inauguration. Imbongis' imibongo poetry extols the achievements and acts of forefathers and leaders.
Many families in South Africa's Eastern Cape have ancestral homes, but they work in more developed cities such as Cape Town and Johannesburg, which are more accessible. After reaching puberty, boys are initiated. This involves attending initiation school (known as "the mountain"), receiving spiritual lectures from elders, and emerging as men from the initiation school.
Another ritual is lobola, which is a dowry given by a man to a woman who aspires to marry him and is performed in the couple's presence. In return for her hand in marriage, he must make a present of livestock or other valuables to the woman's father and family. Many Xhosa people continue to follow their ancestral wedding procedures and customs.
Conclusion
The Xhosa people make up around 18% of the population of South Africa. After the Zulu-speaking people, the Xhosa are South Africa's second-biggest cultural group. Adult literacy rates were as low as 30% under apartheid, but research from 1996 found that first-language Xhosa speakers had a literacy rate of over 50%. However, there have been changes since then. Rural Xhosa people have been moving in growing numbers to Gauteng and Cape Town since apartheid ended.
FAQs
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How does Xhosa celebrate its heritage?
The Xhosas are proud people who cherish their cultural history. Women's attire and jewellery traditionally depict life phases. A newlywed girl wears one style, a new mother wears another, etc.
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What are Xhosa values?
Ubuntu, or humanness, is a traditional Xhosa virtue. Ubuntu's fundamental values are preservation and stability. For example, in combat, women and children were never slain.
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What is the traditional Xhosa dress?
Among the region's various ethnic groups, the Xhosa have a long legacy of beaded regalia. This exquisite cloth skirt, also known as an isikhakha or imibhaco, has beading.
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What are Xhosa cultural practices?
In dreams, ancestors often communicate their desires. Xhosa religion is characterised by complex rites, initiations, and feasts. Modern rituals usually address disease and mental health. The Xhosa has several rituals of passage.
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What type of food does the Xhosa eat?
The famed Xhosa cuisine is based on maize, a staple meal. They consume sour milk, beef, mutton, or goat meat. It goes well with meat and gravy.
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