GWIKWE

'The Gwikwe is part of the larger San Bushman people group. Originally from the Great Rift of Africa, these hunter-gatherers moved south after coming under pressure from the migrating Cushites, Nilotes, and Bantu peoples. Today they occupy the desert areas of southern Africa. Specifically, the Gwikwe live in central Botswana.

G//ani-Kwe, Tannekwe, and Xani-Khwe are also names by which this people group is known. Being the largest group of all the San peoples, it is ironic to learn that their existence was not known of until the 1950's.

Traditionally, the Gwikwe were led by hereditary group leaders even though these leaders had little authority. Group social order was enforced by ridicule, exile from the group, divination to determine one's guilt and proper punishment, and even execution in some instances. However, district councils now appoint village headmen and government courts are often used.

Melons, seeds, nuts, and antelope meat make the Gwikwe's basic diet. As they live in a desert area, water is hard to find. During the dry season these nomads glean moisture by scraping and squeezing roots. When hunting or travelling, holes about an arm's length are dug in the sand to find water. Gourds are used as canteens and water is carried in them.

Expert hunters, the men hunt various African antelope using bows and arrows. When following a herd of eland or other antelope they can run for hours at a time. Game is shared equally among all the band members.

Temporary shelters are made of grass and are shaped like beehives. Gwikwe marry at an early age: 7-9 years of age for girls and 14 years of age for boys. Most marriages are monogamous although polygamy is allowed. Usually it is only the very rich who practices polygamy. It is highly preferable to marry one's own cousins. There is only minor initiation ceremonies for the coming of age for girls and circumcision is not practised for either sex. Hunting is the men's work while food gathering is the responsibility of the women. Children are taught by adults of the same gender.

Certain animals (especially the praying mantis) and the celestial bodies are seen as symbols of divinity. N!adima is the Creator God and, although being remote, He can affect the rains. Gwikwe culture does not have any practices of prayer, sacrifice, or appeasement. Translated, the term N!adima means sky which is also the home of the Creator God and his wife N!adisa. Shooting arrows of evil at women, the evil god G//amama infects them with his evil. The women in turn infect other band members with G//amama's evil.

Medicine dances around a sacred fire are practised in order to be healed from G//amama's evil arrows. The dead is believed to go to a place under the earth and there does not exist any form of communication with the dead.

• Country: Botswana
• Population (year): 1.5 million (1995)
• Major Religion: Christian
• Percent Christian: 62%
• Percent Evangelical: 4.4%
• Openness to Missionaries: Open

'1. HAVE THEY HEARD THE GOSPEL?

Who is Jesus Christ to them? 10% Believe Jesus is the Son of God 90% Have never heard His Name

2. HAVE THEY RESPONDED TO THE GOSPEL?

Believers to population: 1 believer to every 10 persons (total believers - 1 000)(10%)

3. DO THEY HAVE A CHURCH?

Yes, some congregations exist and the Reformed, Evangelical Lutheran, and the Assemblies of God denominations are represented.

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

Only a few portions of Scripture are recorded on audio cassettes

5. ANY HINDRANCES TO SCRIPTURE DISTRIBUTION?

There are no Scriptures available.

6. WHAT OTHER FORMS OF GOSPEL PRESENTATIONS ARE AVAILABLE?

Recordings: Yes

7. ARE THEY RECEPTIVE TO CHANGE AND TO CHRISTIANITY?

Only a few are. The majority, however, is either resistant or indifferent.

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

Yes, 90% of the population has yet to year the gospel.

*All figures are estimates