Title: The Hambukushu of Namibia’s Kavango East Region
Subtitle: A Comprehensive History
Author: Maria Fisch
Publisher: Kuiseb Publishers
Windhoek, Namibia 2022
ISBN 9789994576784 / ISBN 978-99945-76-78-4
Softcover, 17 x 24 cm, 496 pages, numerous b/w photos
The Hambukushu of Namibia’s Kavango-East Region by Maria Fisch is the first ever comprehensive history of the Hambukushu people, covering a period of approximately 300 years. The older history of the Hambukushu is partly based on extensive research material which Father Joseph Wüst gathered between 1921 and 1939 from elderly Hambukushu informants, who still possessed first-hand knowledge about their past. The author takes the reader back to the Hambukushu’s original home at Mussuma, their sojourn at Ditomboro and along the Luyana and Mashi Rivers, and then describes their final settlement along the Kavango River around 1800 and up to recent times. The book presents valuable information on all Hambukushu traditional leaders (hafumu) and the traditional leadership elite, including exact genealogical details, their alleged ability to make rain, and important events during their time. Apart from the Hambukushu in Namibia, the book also describes the Hambukushu living in Angola, Botswana, and Zambia. The author discusses their relationship with other people of the region including the !Kung, Khwe, Balozi, and Batawana during the time of slave-trade and the rule of different colonial powers. Since Roman Catholic missionaries played an instrumental role in shaping the lives of many Hambukushu, a large part of 'The Hambukushu of Namibia’s Kavango East Region' is devoted to their efforts in the fields of education, health care, and spiritual development.
Foreword by the Namibia Scientific Society
Editor's Note
Preface
Chapter 1 The Kavango Region and Its Borders
1 The Geography of the Kavango River
2 Origin of the Names Okavango and Kavango
3 Changes in Demarcation of the Eastern Border of the Kavango Territory
4 The Prehistory of the Kavango Peoples
Chapter 2 Who Are the Hambukushu?
1 Self-Designation and Designation by Others
1.1 The Name Hambukushu
1.2 Guva, Gova, Kuba
1.3 Wiko, an Old Designation
1.4 Other Designations for the Hambukushu
2 Designations Used by the Hambukushu for Other People
3 The Language of the Hambukushu
3.1 The Foundations of the Language
3.2 The Origin of Thimbukushu
3.3 Thimbukushu Names for Rivers, Places, and Locations
3.4 Etymology of Place Names in the Tribal Area of the Hambukushu
3.5 Idioms
3.6 Personal Names with Symbolic Meaning (menaghomathaghano)
3.7 Very Old Thimbukushu
4 Myths about the Origin of the First Humans
4.1 Mythical Ideas of Different Peoples
4.2 Tsodilo Hills as a Mythical, Sacred, and Historical Place
5 Social Organization of the Hambukushu
5.1 The Clan System
5.1.1 Hakanyime (Lion Clan of the Governing Lineage)
5.1.2 Common Hakanyime
5.1.3 Hakashegha or Hakambi (Zebra Clan)
5.1.4 Hakambara (Elephant or Slave Clan)
5.1.5 Hakathimu (Wildebeest or Cattle Clan)
5.1.6 Hakangondo (Copper Clan)
5.1.7 Hakamvura (Rain Clan)
5.1.8 Hakaghembe (Parrot Clan)
5.1.9 Hakanyatji (Buffalo Clan)
6 Political Organization of the Hambukushu
7 Material Culture
Chapter 3 Origin and Migrations of the Hambukushu
1 The Former Home of the Hambukushu in Mussuma
2 The Luyi and the Kololo
3 The Mbunda and the Mashi
4 Migration from Mussuma to Ditomboro
5 Discovery of the Rain Magic by the Copper Clan
6 Abduction of the Khwe Girls—Their Origin and Fate
7 The Rain Magic Is Transferred from the Copper Clan to the Lion Clan and Causes the 'Rain War'
8 The Luyi Disperse the Hambukushu under Fumu Thihurera
9 Settlement along the Mashi and Luyana Rivers
10 The Discovery of the Kavango River
11 The Hambukushu Conquer a New Home along the Kavango River
Chapter 4 The Original Population of the Kavango Region
1 The!Kung
2 The Khwe and IIAnikhwe
3 The Twa
4 The Ngomayi
5 The Yeyi (Yei)
6 The Tjaube
Chapter 5 Presumed Origin of the Four'Western' Kavango Tribes
1 The Karangi and Manyo
2 Settlement of the Manyo along the Kavango River
3 The Genetic Relations of the Kavango Tribes
4 The Unique Position of the Hambukushu with Regard to Some Cultural and Economic Aspects
Chapter 6 Fumu Mbungu (c. 1792-1820)
Chapter 7 Fumu Diyeve I (c. 1820-1864)
1 Family Background
2 Political Events at the Time of Diyeve's Rule
3 Diyeve's Influence as Rainmaker
4 Economy and Trade
5 The Rain Magic of the Hambukushu
Chapter 8 Fumu Dimbu Shokuru (or Ndara I) (c. 1865-1895)
1 The Names Dimbu and Ndara
2 Mbathera, Munika, and Makushe
3 Dimbu, or Ndara I, Stands up to his Rivals
4 Fumu Dimbu's Family Background
5 The Murder of Princess Kayana and Her Sons
6 Fumu Dimbu's Personality
7 Effects of the Events in Barotseland upon the Hambukushu
8 Relationship between the Hambukushu and the Tawana
9 Changes in the Traditional Trade
10 The End of Fumu Dimbu
Chapter 9 Fumu Diyeve II (1896-1915)
1 Diyeve II Stands up to Mukoya
2 Other Names and Family Background of Diyeve II
3 Diyeve's Personality and the Royal Court
4 Demographic Development
5 Diyeve's Capture and Attempted Abduction to Bechuanaland
6 Rising Power of the Tawana
7 Hompa Nyangana and Siteketa Attack Fumu Diyeve
on the Island Thipanana
8 Slavery and an Incident with Nyemba Traders
9 Lawlessness in the Caprivi Strip
10 Border Conflicts of the German Colonial Government with Bechuanaland and Angola
11 The German Colonial Policy in the Caprivi Strip
12 The Catholic Mission Expands Its Sphere of Work to the Kavango Region
12.1 Hompa Himarwa Desires a Mission Station
12.2 An Expedition to the Kwangali Fails with High Losses
12.3 A Second Expedition to the Hambukushu, through Bechuanaland, in 1907
12.4 Another Expedition to the North Fails Because of Water Shortage
12.5 Successful Expedition and Joyful Arrival at Andara
12.6 The Dramatic First Attempt to Settle among the Hambukushu
12.7 A Lonely Grave in the Wilderness
12.8 A Tragedy: Death of the Pioneers Lauer and Kurz
12.9 Father Gotthardt Tries in Vain to Keep the Station Going
12.10 Alternative Solution: A Mission Station among the Vagciriku
12.11 The Successful Establishment of the First Permanent Mission Station in the Kavango Region
13 The Influence of the Colonial Powers upon the Development
in the Kavango Region
14 The Establishment of Military Stations along Both Banks of the Kavango River 1909/10
15 Massive Migration from Angola to the German Side of the Kavango River
16 A Radical Change in the Socio-Political Behaviour of the Population
17 The Establishment of the Andara Mission Station in 1913
18 The Andara Mission Station Becomes Functional
19 The End of Fumu Diyeve II
Chapter 10 The Hambukushu Hafumu in Angola
1 Fumu Mukoya
2 Fumu Mbambangandu-Ngumbwa
3 Fumu Djami-Kudjata
4 Fumu Dimbughana-Kabomo
5 Fumu Mbamba
6 Fumu Mahongo
7 Fumu Kutenda Komono
Chapter 11 Fumu Disho I Rises to Power (1915-1929)
1 A Chieftainship Marked by Despotism and Exploitation
2 Fumu Mukoya and All Hambukushu Leave Angola
3 Continued Progress at the Andara Mission Station despite Resistance
4 From the Days of the Water Mill to Modern Water and Power Supply
5 Efforts to Become Economically Independent
6 The First Steps Towards the Spiritual and Pastoral Education of the Population
7 The Effects of World War I on the Kavango Region
8 South West Africa under Military Rule
9 Destruction and Reconstruction of the Portuguese Forts along the Kavango River
10 Peace Celebrations and the Influenza Epidemic
11 South West Africa as a Class C Mandate of the Union of South Africa
12 The Hambukushu Are Placed under the Administration of Bechuanaland and Receive a Police Station
13 Change of Rectors at Andara in 1921
14 The OSB Sisters
15 The Foundation and Development of an Independent Namibian Religious Order (Society of St Benedict SSB)
16 New Initiatives under Father Wust and Father Koch
17 Conflict between Tradition and Civilization: Headdresses and Forced Marriages
18 Emigrants from Other Kavango Tribal Areas Are Granted Asylum in Mbukushu
19 Dangerous Situations and Fateful Events at the Andara Mission
20 Fumu Disho's Last Days
Chapter 12 The Hambukushu under Fumu Ndara II (1929-1939)
1 Re-Incorporation of the Hambukushu into the Kavango Reserve
2 Ndara II as Tribal Leader and Rainmaker
3 A Terrible Accident with Serious Consequences
4 The Commissioner: A Friend or Dictator?
5 Repeated Plagues of Predators, and Famine
6 The Postal Service
7 Fumu Ndara's Deposition, Internment, and Death
Chapter 13 The Era of Fumu Disho II (1939-1947)
1 Personal Life and Relationship with the South West Africa Administration
2 The Rengo Festival
3 World War II (1939-1945) and Its Effects upon the Mission
4 Physical Improvements at the Andara Mission Station during
Father Frohlich's 30-Year Term of Office
5 Continuation of the Mission Work under Fumu Disho II
6 Fumu Disho II in Exile, and His Death
Chapter 14 Makushe Kangura Becomes the New Fumu of the Hambukushu (1947-1969)
1 Unanimous Election Outcome
2 Makushe as Tribal Leader and Politician
3 Mission Work during the Time of Fumu Makushe
4 Ludwig von Lulsdorff
5 A Convent of the SSB Sisters in Rundu
6 Fumu Makushe's Last Days
Chapter 15 Fumu Mayavero: First Term of Office (1969-1971)
1 Mayavero's Family Background
2 Mayavero's Suspension
3 The Hambukushu Flee from Angola to Botswana
4 Partial Self-Determination for the Kavango Region
Chapter 16 Fumu Dimbare (1972-1983)
1 Dimbare's Term of Office
2 A Fresh Breeze for the Mbukushu Mission: The Priests Haushiku and Bauer
Chapter 17 Fumu Alfons Mayavero's Second Period as Tribal Leader (1983-1991)
1 Mayavero's Re-Election
2 Father Kapp Continues the Mission Work at Andara on His Own
Chapter 18 Fumu Erwin Mbambo Munika (From 1991)
1 Inauguration as Fumu
2 Interference in Internal Church Affairs
3 Discriminatory Measures against the Khwe
4 The Continuation of Missionary Work with Priests from Poland
5 A Decade of Profound Changes
6 Division or Cooperation? A Crisis within the SSB Order
7 All White OSB Sisters Are Recalled from the North
8 Indian Sisters Fill the Vacancies
Chapter 19 The Important Role of the Roman Catholic Mission in the Kavango Region
1 Education
1.1 School Teaching
1.2 The Boarding School System
1.3 Indigenous Teachers
The School at Mayara
The School at Bagani
The Shools at Mapako and Kamutjonga
The School at Mahango
The Schools at Kangongo and Mbapuka
1.4 The Nationalization of the School System
2 Health Care Development in the Mbukushu Area
2.1 Common Diseases
2.2 Traditional Healing Methods
2.3 Beginning of Medical Treatment by Mission Staff at Andara
2.4 The Andara Mission Gets a Clinic and a Professional Nurse
2.5 The First Doctors and Hospitals in the Kavango Region
2.6 A Mission Hospital for the Hambukushu
2.7 Extension of the Andara Hospital
2.8 NACADECand CHS
2.9 Extension of Health Care in the Tribal Area of the Hambukushu
2.10 A Period of Critical Staff Shortage
2.11 Training of Local Medical Personnel
2.12 From Curative to Preventive Therapy: Primary Health Services
3 Spiritual and Pastoral Development of the Kavango Population
3.1 Spiritual Vocations Among the Hambukushu
3.2 Members of Religious Orders from the Hambukushu People
3.3 Catechists, Servants of the Word of God for Their Own People
3.4 Local Priests at Andara
3.5 Local Brothers of an Order
3.6 Deacons
3.7 Hambukushu Sisters of the Order in Katima Mulilo
3.8 Religious Literature in Thimbukushu
Annex
Hambukushu Tribal Leaders in Namibia
Hambukushu Tribal Leaders in Angola
Fathers and Brothers Who Worked at the Andara Mission Schools
OSB Sisters Who Worked at the Andara Mission
SSB Sisters Who Worked at the Andara Mission
Brief Biographies
Archbishop Joseph Gotthardt (OMI)
Archbishop Bonifatius Haushiku
Bishop Joseph S. Shikongo
Brotherjohannes Langehenke
Brother Konrad Heckmann
Brother Georg Russ
Father Joseph Wust
Brotherjohannes Rau
Father August Lohschelder
Brother Norbert Uwis
Father Alois Kapp
Shoko's Family History
The Extraordinary Life History of Nyaku
Population Statistics for the Hambukushu
List of Photographs
List of Maps
References
Primary Sources
Interviews: Mbukushu History
Interviews with Fwe Informants in the Zambezi Region
Interviews with Twa Informants (Hakambara)
in the Kavango Region
Interviews with Yeyi Informants in the Zambezi Region
Interviews with Subiya Informants in the Zambezi Region
Documentary Sources
Archival Sources
I. National Archives of Namibia (NAN)
A = Private Accessions
ADM = Secretary of the Protectorate
BGR = Kaiserliches Bezirksamt Grootfontein
EDU = Department of Education
LKM = Magistrate's Office Katima Mulilo
NAO = Native Affairs Ovamboland 1919-1955
NAR = Native Affairs Rundu
SAMR = South African Mounted Rifles
SWAA = South West Africa Administration
ZBU = Zentralbureau des Kaiserlichen Gouvernements
II. Archives of the Roman Catholic Mission Dobra (CMA)
Index of Places & Personal Names
