The Cape and the Kaffirs: A Diary of Five Years' Residence in KaffirlandWard, Mrs.
History
The Cape and the Kaffirs: A Diary of Five Years' Residence in Kaffirland
Ward, Mrs.
South Africa -- History -- Frontier Wars, 1811-1878
Note 1. Even in their hunting expeditions, the Kaffirs exhibit a
peculiarity which goes far to prove that the sight of blood renders them
unnaturally ferocious. At the death of a jackal, a buck, or any large
game which, they have run down, each hunter presses on to give a last
stab at the victim, even after death. I observed this also among the
Fingoes, in their war-dance, as afterwards described. Captain Harris
alludes to it in his "Sporting Expedition in Africa," when he so
graphically describes the death of a young eland. "The savages came
up," he says, "and in spite of my remonstrances, proceeded with
cold-blooded ferocity to stab the unfortunate animal, stirring up the
blood, and shouting with barbarous exultation as it issued from each
newly-inflicted wound."
Note 2. The term "Kaffir," is by no means recognised by the Kaffirs
themselves. It was bestowed on them by the Portuguese. The word is
from the Arabic, and signifies "Infidel."
Note 3. The word "kraal" applies either to the group of huts forming a
village, to a single hut, or the fold for the cattle.
PART ONE, CHAPTER FIVE.
THE KAFFIRS--THEIR SUPERSTITIONS.
The Kaffirs have no idea of a future state, and many can hardly be
taught to believe that there are countries beyond their own. Some have
a crude idea that Europeans, particularly the English, live on the
waters in ships. Even to their own chiefs, and people who have been in
England, they will give no credence. A Kaffir believes only what he
sees. Latterly, they have become more inquisitive, and ask questions,
wondering "if the Queen of England is like other human beings!"
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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