Khoikhoi

The Khoikhoi Tribe

Culture and Characteristics

The Khoikhoi, or “the real people” (Africanhistory.com) are also know as the Khoisan. The San also call themselves Khoisan, “as if they [are both] one people sharing a common culture” (author).

The Khoikhoi originated in what is now known as Botswana. They entered Botswana in two different ways; the first way they traveled was to the west coast and down towards the Cape, where they are now. The other way was through the south-east into Highveld and south to the south coast.

Now a days, most of the Khoikhoi live in the southern part of Namibia and those who do not live in the southwestern part of South Africa.

Outside Intruders

In 1652 the Dutch arrived in South Africa bring with them many of their belongings, hoping to trade with the people. The Khoikhoi and the Dutch traded with each other, while the other tribes of Africa did not. Many problems arose, thought; ownership of livestock and land were the main two (wikipedia.org).

This caused the Khoikhoi-Dutch War in 1659 (wikipedia.org). Two more wars would follow. In 1677 colonial expansion took place in the land of the Khoikhoi.