HEIKUM
Together with the Mbarakwengo and the !Kung, the Heikum Bushman form part of the San Bushman cluster of peoples. Ovambo land is where the majority can be found; although, a few also live in Grootfontein.
Typical of all Bushman peoples, the Heikum is a hunter and gatherer society. Men do the hunting while women do the gathering. Because they live a hunting and gathering lifestyle they live in migratory bands. Huts are made of branches, planted in semicircles, and covered with grass. These are temporary villages. However, each band has a permanent settlement near their main water source. Members of the band are in some way or another related to the headman.
Presents are given to the parents of a wife to be. After the wedding the husband will live with his wife's parents, usually for a couple of months, as a sort of bride service. Polygamy is quite common. Upon taking a second wife a man will start his own band. Each wife has her own hut.
Each Heikum band has its own hunting territory and headman. The eldest sister's eldest son will succeed as headman.
Fire is considered to be sacred."
- Country: Namibia
- Population (year): 2.2 million (1995)
- Major Religion: Christian
- Percent Christian: 91%
- Percent Evangelical: 8.9%
- Openness to Missionaries: Open"
1. HAVE THEY HEARD THE GOSPEL?
Pastors to population: 1 pastor for every 2 667 persons (total pastors - *6)
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 - **1 600)(**10%)
3. DO THEY HAVE A CHURCH?
Churches to population: 1 Church for every 2 667 persons (total churches - *6)
4. DOES THIS PEOPLE HAVE THE WORD OF GOD TRANSLATED INTO THEIR MOTHER TONGUE?
Work is in progress.
5. ANY HINDRANCES TO SCRIPTURE DISTRIBUTION?
Their semi nomadic lifestyle makes it a bit difficult.
6. WHAT OTHER FORMS OF GOSPEL PRESENTATIONS ARE AVAILABLE?
Not sure.
7. ARE THEY RECEPTIVE TO CHANGE AND TO CHRISTIANITY?
Over the last few years the Heikum started to open up to both cultural change as well as the gospel.
8. DO THEY REQUIRE OUTSIDE (CROSS-CULTURAL) ASSISTANCE?
Yes, the few churches are still young and converts are few.
*Figures include those for the !Kung and the Mbarakwengo.
**All figures are estimates."
