Barotseland : $b eight years among the BarotseStirke, D. E. C.
History
Barotseland : $b eight years among the Barotse
Stirke, D. E. C.
Western Province (Zambia)
Early in his reign he was deposed by a relative of his named Tatila; but
Tatila had not the grip over his people nor the statesmanship to hold
the chieftainship, with the result that Lewanika was reinstated after a
couple of battles. To the surprise of all he showed great clemency and
pardoned most of the rebels. A notable example of his clemency is the
induna Noyōō, who was very prominent in killing off Lewanika’s women and
children during Tatila’s brief rule. Lewanika told me himself that his
reason for sparing Noyōō was because he and Noyōō had herded cattle
together when very small boys.
Lewanika led many successful raids against the neighbouring tribe of the
Mashukulumbwe, and he was the first Barotse Chief who accepted their
homage and counted them as a portion of his people.
He had a great belief in acquiring knowledge of other native races and
chiefs, and sent embassies to Chitimukulu the Awemba Chief and to Khama
the Bamangwato Chief (the Bamangwato being better known nowadays under
the general term Bechuana).
Lewanika was a man of most charming and courteous manners and had always
a very sincere regard for Europeans, while his loyalty to the Empire has
repeatedly proved itself, more especially since the beginning of the
German War. A visit by a European, accompanied by his wife, was always
considered a great compliment by the late chief.
Missionaries always received support from Lewanika, and were given
grants of land for their stations and many other privileges. The Chief
himself never professed Christianity, but set an example to his people by
attending church services and by supporting the Missions generally.
D. E. C. S.
CONTENTS.
PAGE
Preface by the Author v
Introductory Chapter by Sir Harry Johnston 1
CHAPTER I.
The Barozi and their Origin 37
CHAPTER II.
The Administration of Barotseland 42
CHAPTER III.
Native Administration 46
CHAPTER IV.
Barozi Industries 55
CHAPTER V.
Customs (Mikwa) 61
CHAPTER VI.
Riddles and Conundrums 80
CHAPTER VII.
Barozi Songs and Dances 85
CHAPTER VIII.
Barozi Legends 93
CHAPTER IX.
Barozi Laws 108
CHAPTER X.
General 115
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.
_To face p._
Lewanika, late Paramount Chief of the Barotse Nation _Frontispiece_
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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