YEYI

"For years the Bayeyi have been incorrectly reported as Tawana in the census reports because of their long vassalage to the Tawana of Ngamiland, Botswana. Having been subjects of the Tawana for nearly 200 years, many Yeyi communities use the Tawana kinship terminology (this is especially true for the Shorobe and Zankuyo, north of Maun, communities).

Early settlers, during the eighteenth century, explored much of the region between Linyanti and the Okavango Delta. Mainly fishermen, these settlers were in search of better fishing areas. By 1800 most of the Yeyi had migrated from the Caprivi region and settled around the Okavango Delta because of the Lozi expansion. When the Tswana arrived in 1795 the Yeyi were already well established in this area.

Being the basic economic unit, the family works together cultivating their lands and herding their cattle. A few men still practice polygamy. Important qualities a man looks for when choosing his wife-to-be is faithfulness, one who minds her own business, being a hard worker, and taking good care of the children. Children are very important to the Yeyi and therefore a man wants a wife who will bear him many children.

Upon reaching puberty a girl's parents may try to get her excused from school for a period of a month. However, the Tawana discourage absenteeism from school and therefore a girl will shave her head and continue to go to school. After a month a party is held. Milk fat and red ochre are rubbed onto the initiate's body. This is a time of celebration and plenty of food and drink are provided for the guests.

Traditionally girls married at an early age; however, today the preferred age is between 20-21. Presents are sent by a man to the parents of the girl he chooses to marry; this is to show his gratitude for having a wife. Occasionally a man receives presents in the form of livestock from the girl's parents. The wedding is conducted by the bride's grandmother at the bride's house. Another party is then held at the groom's house.

Women will mourn the death of a relative for at least a day after the person's death. More crying will occur at the funeral. For a few of the relatives and friends of the deceased a feast will be held. Another feast is held a year after a person's death in honour and remembrance of him.

A person's spirit departs through his mouth when he dies. It is believed that the spirit first travels to the south before returning to his living relatives, demanding attention, food, and drink. Influencing the lives of their relatives for both good and evil, these spirits frequently visit them in their dreams."

• 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? 1.15% Believe Jesus is the Son of God

2. HAVE THEY RESPONDED TO THE GOSPEL?

Believers to population: 1 believer to every 87 persons. (total believers - 230)(1.15%)

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?

No.

5. ANY HINDRANCES TO SCRIPTURE DISTRIBUTION?

They are scattered in remote areas of the Okavango Delta.

6. WHAT OTHER FORMS OF GOSPEL PRESENTATIONS ARE AVAILABLE?

None.

7. ARE THEY OPEN TO CHANGE AND TO CHRISTIANITY?

They have been exposed to nominal Christianity.

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

Yes, they need to be exposed to the truth."