CUROCA

'Very little is known about the Curoca. Also known as the Kwadi, they are a Bushman tribe. Three distinct subgroups are identified namely the Luheka, Zorouta, and the Kwise. However, for the purpose of this profile all three these subgroups are considered as one.

Southwestern Angola is where the Curoca can be found. Their territory stretches from the seacoast through the Koroca desert right up to the western slopes of the Chela mountains.

As this people group is a hunter and gatherer people animal husbandry is not used and no crops are grown and cultivated. Wild roots and fruit are gathered. Those living near the coast do not hunt; rather, they rely on fishing.

Living in migratory bands, they move around. Monogamy is the standard way of life. Shelters are not permanent, on the contrary cave like holes are dug in the sand dunes which then serves as shelter. The clan of Curoca living near the mountain slopes uses actual caves and rock shelters as their place of settlement.

Each band has an elder leading them. He is the oldest male in the band. It seems that there is no formal judicial structure other than that of the band.

Other people groups look down upon the Curoca. This is especially true for the Nyaneka who despises them. In part, this might be because they are such a secluded and closed society.

• Country: Angola
• Population (year): 11.5 million (1995)
• Major Religion: Christian
• Percent Christian: 84.6%
• Percent Evangelical: 8.4%
• Openness to Missionaries: Open, although logistical difficulties may be experienced from time to time.

'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 - *1 500)(*10%)

3. DO THEY HAVE A CHURCH?

It seems that there are no indigenous Curoca churches.

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

No.

5. ANY HINDRANCES TO SCRIPTURE DISTRIBUTION?

The terrain is very rough and not easily accessible. Literacy is also very low.

6. WHAT OTHER FORMS OF GOSPEL PRESENTATIONS ARE AVAILABLE?

None.

7. ARE THEY RECEPTIVE TO CHANGE TO CHRISTIANITY?

Typical of all Bushman peoples the Curoca is resistant to the gospel.

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

Yes. The gospel needs to be presented to them in a clear and understandable way.