The need for written records in genealogy - the KhoiKhoi.

It is difficult, even impossible, for someone of Khoisan descent to build a family tree that goes back further than two, maybe three generations.

It is generally believed that the Khoikhoi arrived in the Cape about 2,000 years ago, having migrated South from outside South African borders. A peaceful people they were hunters gatherers.

In order to make any study of genealogy, one would need to have access to records of some kind – written records. Here the problem arises. It was only in the 19th century that two German ethnographers became the first people to write down the Khoisan folklore, belief and customs. All this information was received verbally from a few informants.

Accurate family trees for Kindo members of Khoisan descent may be more difficult to do than for some other cultural groups for the simple reason that there was no written records. The later governments did not provide for this but, largely, the nature of the way of life of this incredible people was such that it was impossible to keep track of who was born and who died and when. It is only in the last few decades that we have systems in place that ensure accurate record keeping and the many prominent leaders and educated citizens will certainly see to it.

So to the Kindo members – persevere and visit that old aunt or grandmother for the true information.

Thank you to Jacoba for her input on this article.

Posted by Stefano in Uncategorized | Trackback |