AKHOE

'Also known as the Auen, the Akhoe is a Bushman people living in the south of Angola. A few may also be found in Namibia.

Being a hunter and gatherer society, no animal husbandry is made use of. Hunting is exclusively and solely the responsibility of the men while women do the gathering. Various roots and wild fruit are gathered by the women. Each Akhoe band owns its own hunting territory.

Gifts of game are given by the groom to the bride's parents. After the wedding a bride service is paid to the wife's parents. Over the period of one year the husband will live with his wife's parents and work for them; there after he will move to his father's hunting band or start his own. Polygamy is common, but it is not necessary the rule. In the advent of a man having more than one wife, each wife will have her separate hut. Marriage with one's cousin is also allowed. Inheritance is patrilineal: the eldest son inherits his father's hunting territory and possessions.

As the Akhoe is a hunter and gatherer people, they live in migratory bands. Because of this settlements are only temporary. A few windbreaks consisting of branches stuck in the ground in a semicircle and tied at the top with twigs having grass covered roofs is what a typical Akhoe settlement looks like. Each band has a headman who is also the war leader. However, he exercises only slight authority. It seems that there are no political integration above the band level.

• Country: Angola
• Population (year): 11.5 million (1995)
• Major Religion: Christian
• Percent Christian: 84.6%
• Percent Evangelical: 8.4%
• Openness to Missionaries: Open

'1. HAVE THEY HEARD THE GOSPEL?

Who is Jesus Christ to them? 10% Believe Jesus is the Son of God

2. HAVE THEY RESPONDED TO THE GOSPEL?

Believers to population: 1 believer to every *10 persons (total believers - *500)(*10*)

3. DO THEY HAVE A CHURCH?

Churches to population: 1 church for every ? persons (total churches - ?)

4. DOES THIS PEOPLE HAVE THE WORD OF GOD TRANSLATED INTO THEIR MOTHER TONGUE?

Some Bible portions were released in 1980.

5. ANY HINDRANCES TO SCRIPTURE DISTRIBUTION?

Even though it is difficult to give exact figures, the literacy rate is very low.

6. WHAT OTHER FORMS OF GOSPEL PRESENTATIONS ARE AVAILABLE?

Not sure.

7. ARE THEY RECEPTIVE TO CHANGE AND TO CHRISTIANITY?

As with most Bushman tribes, the Akhoe resists change.

8. DO THEY REQUIRE OUTSIDE (CROSS-CULTURAL) ASSISTANCE?

Yes, they are yet to receive the gospel in such a way that it is understandable to them.