Tracing the origins of griqua people in South Africa? Learn more about the griqua people in South Africa and their culture…
Around the time of the birth of Jesus Christ, the migration of the Khoikhoi people started from the North of Botswana as they moved south to settle near the water source of the Vaal River. They brought with them many herds of sheep and cattle, which were acquired from East Africa. Around the year 200AD the community experienced major disagreements.
This led to a split in the community and as a result the Korana retained their location in the central region of South Africa. There were two other clans; the Namaqua who moved to Namaqualand towards the west and the second one were the Khoikhoi who moved towards the south and eventually settled in the west at the Cape of Good Hope.
When the white explorers landed near the Cape of Storms and began their trading with the Khoikhoi, the community had already established the custom of intermarriages with the local Bushmen and hunter-gatherers known as the San. The Bushmen were actually the original inhabitants of the region. However, over many generations the differences between the two communities were reduced. However, their core persuasion was retained with the Khoikhoi maintaining their activities as livestock grazers and the San continuing to hunt with poisoned arrows and the bow.
Origins of the Griqua
The Griqua nation in South Africa is based on the men and women of the Khoikhoi. These are the people who grazed pastures and led a relaxed and laid back life. They were known for mingling with the surroundings and nature in a peaceful manner. Even though the Westerners today may seem to comment on their lifestyle as lazy and slothful, they were anything but lazy. Their beautiful rich culture was community-based and focused on pastoral activities in the Cape. They had very few natural enemies and were gifted with the art of storytelling, which was utilized to pass on the historical facts and philosophical interpretations as they lounged under the sun.
The Evolution of the Multiracial Griqua Nation
Prior to the arrival of the colonists, the families of the The Griqua nation in South Africa were organized in close-knit communities. As far back as 1652 Van Riebeeck the Dutch colonist and other Westerners started acquiring land for the Dutch East India Company. The area was developed as a stopover post for passing ships. The locals were displaced as the invaders started building a permanent stronghold. They were, in fact, at war with the Dutch and had the Khoikhoi persisted they would have been able to get rid of the colonist forces. However, instead of a full-fledged war they would pilfer resources to damage the Dutch colonists. The locals were not aware of the backing and wealth of the Dutch and it was a futile attempt. Eventually a barrier was erected by the colonists to prevent theft and the Khoikhoi have been restrained since then.
