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Ancestors of modern amaXhosa arrived in the
Eastern Cape from the north before the 15th century,
and others moved into the area during the 16th and
17th centuries. Xhosa history tells of settlements
east of the Sundays River by the early 18th century.
Xhosa society is historically viewed as an
'open' society, because of its readiness to learn
from, trade and interact with other societies.
Although the Xhosa undoubtedly killed or enslaved
some of the Khoisan speakers they encountered, many
were peacefully assimilated into Xhosa society.
In addition to the original Xhosa clan, the
amaXhosa now includes a
number of isiXhosa-speaking ethnic groups, including the Pondo, Thembu
and Mfengu people.
Traditionally the amaXhosa lived by hunting,
cattle herding and growing crops (maize,
tobacco and sorghum). Woodworking and ironworking
were important men's occupations. Homesteads were
built near the top of ridges overlooking rivers such
as the Fish, Keiskama, Buffalo, and Kei.
Xhosa homesteads were organised around descent
groups traced through male lineage. These lineages,
and the large clans formed by groups of related
lineages, provided the centre of Xhosa social
organization. This was responsible for preserving
ancestral ties and perpetuating society through
animal sacrifices, mutual assistance within the
clan, and carefully arranged marriages with
neighbouring clans.
A powerful chief may be praised in oral
histories by the claim that he had power over the
land close to a large river, and a lesser chief, by
the claim that he had power over land near a smaller
river or tributary.
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The imbongi or praise singer is an
important figure even today - an imbongi
preceded Nelson Mandela at his Presidential
inauguration in 1994.
 The
amaXhosa had extensive contact with
Europeans by the early 19th century,
generally welcoming missionaries and
educators into their territory.
The Xhosa even distinguished between
"school people," who had accepted Western
innovation, and "red people" or "red
blankets" who were identified by the
traditional red ochre used to dye clothing
and to decorate the body.
isiXhosa , the language of the amaXhosa, is a Bantu language
and
part of the Nguni subgroup of languages. It became
one of South Africa's 11 official languages in 1994
at the end of apartheid.
There are just over seven million
speakers of isiXhosa
in South Africa, the majority of whom live
in the Eastern Cape, with significant
numbers in the Western Cape and fewer number
in other provinces.
IsiXhosa and isiZulu are mutually
intelligible.
Xhosa culture today includes diviners, who
serve as herbalists, prophets and healers for the
community. These roles are mostly taken by women, who
spend many years in apprenticeship. Many Xhosa are
Christian whilst maintaining strong beliefs
in traditional healers and in their
ancestors.
Words & phrases
Molo
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Hello, to one person
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Unjani? / Ninjani?
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How are you (sing.)? / How
are you (pl.)?
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Ndiphilile / Siphilile
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I'm okay /
We're okay
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Enkosi
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Thank you
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Hamba kakuhle
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Go well (used
as goodbye)
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Hambani kakuhle
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Go well (to a
group of people)
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Ewe
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Yes
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Hayi
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No
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Andiyazi
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I don't know
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