The Xhosa Kingdom

                              Kingdom

During the 18th century, King Tshawe (d. 1787) and his brother, King Ngqika (d. 1829) led the formation of the Xhosa Kingdom (Gump, 1994).

- Through conquest and alliances, the kingdom grew by incorporating smaller chiefdoms.

-Tshawe’s military campaigns expanded Xhosa territory and consolidated his control over neighboring chiefdoms. He formed alliances with neighboring kingdoms, resulting in trade agreements and strategic partnerships. Tshawe married women from powerful families, which strengthened his connections with other chiefdoms. He established a centralized authority, with himself as its supreme leader.  

-After Tshawe’s death in 1787, his brother, King Ngqika (d. 1829), succeeded him and expanded the kingdom.- Ngqika resisted Zulu attacks and expanded Xhosa territory through military campaigns.

ECONOMIC ACTIVTIES

The Xhosa people’s traditional economy was rooted in subsistence farming, cattle herding, hunting, and gathering. They cultivated crops like maize and sorghum, and raised cattle for milk, meat, and wealth. Skilled craftsmen produced baskets, pottery, and wooden utensils, which were highly valued and traded. However, the arrival of European colonizers disrupted this economy, leading to land expropriation, forced labor, and the imposition of European economic systems.

During the colonial era, the Xhosa adapted to the changing economic landscape. They developed new crafts, such as wirework and beadwork, and engaged in migrant labor on European-owned farms and mines. Xhosa traders established new networks with European and African partners, exchanging goods like cattle, ivory, and grain. Despite these challenges, the Xhosa continued to practice subsistence farming and cattle herding, laying the foundation for their economic activities in the modern era.

Major events /unique stories

The Great Cattle Killing (1856-1857)

The Great Cattle Killing was a pivotal event in Xhosa history. In 1856, a young Xhosa girl named Nongqawuse claimed to have received a vision from the spirits, instructing the Xhosa to slaughter their cattle and destroy their crops to bring about a new era of prosperity. The Xhosa people, desperate for relief from colonial oppression and famine, heeded the call, leading to widespread destruction of their livelihood. However, the promised prosperity never materialized, and the Xhosa were left vulnerable to colonial exploitation.

The Xhosa Wars (1779-1879)

The Xhosa Wars were a series of conflicts between the Xhosa and European colonizers. The wars began in 1779, as European settlers encroached on Xhosa land, and continued sporadically until 1879. The Xhosa resisted fiercely, but ultimately succumbed to superior European firepower and tactics. Notable leaders, such as Maqoma and Sarhili, emerged during this period, fighting bravely against colonial forces.

The Story of Makana (1819)

Makana, a Xhosa prophet and warrior, led a daring raid on the British colonial settlement of Grahamstown in 1819. With a small band of followers, Makana attempted to drive the British out of Xhosa territory. Although the raid failed, Makana’s bravery and vision inspired his people to continue resisting colonial rule.

The Xhosa Diaspora (1800s)

As colonial pressures intensified, many Xhosa people were forced to flee their ancestral lands. Some migrated to urban centers, seeking work and refuge, while others joined neighboring tribes or formed new communities. This diaspora scattered Xhosa people across southern Africa, leading to cultural exchange and adaptation

Relations with other nations

The Xhosa people’s history is characterized by significant events that have shaped their identity and resilience. The devastating Great Cattle Killing of 1856-1857 and the series of Xhosa Wars from 1779 to 1879 against European colonizers are notable examples. Brave leaders emerged, resisting colonial forces and inspiring their people.

The Xhosa Diaspora scattered their people across southern Africa, leading to cultural exchange and adaptation. Despite this, they preserved their heritage through oral traditions, music, and art. Today, they continue to fight for land rights and restitution, driven by their deep connection to their land.

Their story Is one of struggle against colonialism, forced labor, and land expropriation. Yet, their vibrant cultural heritage endures, with traditional music, dance, and crafts thriving. Efforts to preserve their language and literature ensure the continuation of their unique Identity

Beliefs,customs,values and language

The Xhosa people have a deeply rooted cultural heritage, centered around their spiritual beliefs and ancestral traditions. They intensely fear a supreme being, uThixo, and honor their ancestors, amathongo, through rituals and divination. Their customs emphasize initiation, marriage, and community, guided by values of respect, humanity, and interconnectedness. The Xhosa language, isiXhosa, is a vibrant part of their identity.

Xhosa culture is characterized by vibrant traditions, including harvest festivals, divination, and healing practices. Community and ancestral heritage are paramount, reflected in their clothing, music, and dance. Storytelling and poetry preserve their history and values. The Xhosa people’s strong cultural identity continues to enrich South African society, celebrating diversity and cultural exchange

Here’s a paragraph on the Xhosa language, paraphrased with added detail:

Xhosa language is rich in idioms, proverbs, and metaphors, reflecting the culture’s strong oral tradition. IsiXhosa has several dialects, including Mpondomise, Ngqika, and Gcaleka, each with distinct variations. Despite historical suppression, isiXhosa remains a vital part of Xhosa identity, used in education, media, literature, and daily life.

references

1. Wilson, M., & Thompson, L. (1980). The Oxford History of South Africa. Oxford University Press.

2. Hamilton, C. (1998). Terrific Majesty: The Powers of Shaka Zulu and the Limits of Historical Invention. Harvard University Press.

3. Gump, J. (1994). The Dust Rose Like Smoke: The Subjugation of the Zulu Kingdom and the Remaking of the Native South. University of Nebraska Press.

4. Peires, J. B. (1989). The Dead Will Arise: Nongqawuse and the Great Xhosa Cattle-Killing Movement of 1856-7. Indiana University Press.

5. Mostert, N. (1992). Frontiers: The Epic of South Africa’s Creation and the Tragedy of the Xhosa People. Pimlico.