Reports of the Mantatees
Reports of the Mantatees — The author’s wish to visit the interior — Opposition to the journey — The hunted khama — Wild dogs’ chase — Mantatees discovered — Return homeward — Proceed to Griqua Town — A Bechuana parliament held — Manner of the speakers — A counsellor silenced — Taisho’s speech — The king’s concluding address.
For more than a year numerous and strange reports had at intervals reached us, some indeed of such a character as induced us to treat them as the reveries of a madman. It was said that a mighty woman, of the name of Mantatee, was at the head .of an invincible army, numerous as the locusts, marching onward among the interior nations, carrying devastation and ruin wherever she went; that she nourished the army with her own milk, sent out hornets before it, and, in one word, was laying the world desolate. Concluding that these might be only rumours of a destructive war carrying on by Chaka, the tyrant of the Zoolus, and that he was at too great a distance from us to affect our operations, I resolved on a journey which I had been contemplating for some months. This was to visit Makaba, the chief of the Bauangketsi, a powerful tribe, situated upwards of two hundred miles north-east of Lithako. I had various reasons for taking this step. The Batlapis, and the neighbouring
OPPOSITION TO THE AUTIIOr’s JOURNEY. 341
tribes, were living in constant dread of an attack from so powerful an enemy, of whom they could never speak without stigmatizing him with the most opprohrious epithets. It was desirable to open up a friendly intercourse to prevent hostilities, and it seemed advisable for me to attend more exclusively to the acquirement of the language, by associating, for a while, with the natives, when, at the same time, an opportunity was thus afforded of becoming better acquainted with the localities of the tribes, and, in addition to these objects, was the ultimate design of introducing the Gospel among that interesting people.
About this time, receiving an invitation from Makaba, the path of duty was plain; but Mothibi, and indeed all the people, were greatly opposed to my design. Every thing injurious to the character of the Bauangketsi was raked up and placed before me. All the imaginary and real murders Makaba had ever committed were set in array, and every one swore by their king and their fathers, that if I went my doom was fixed, for I should never return, and therefore Ma-Mary and the two children might leave and return to our friends in England, for she would never see me again. We, with Mr. Hamilton, had deliberated together, and prayed over the subject, and were not dismayed by their representations. When the day arrived for my departure, Mothibi, finding he could not prevail by arguments, positively forbade those under his control to accompany me. Feeling no inclination to give up my intention, I started with such men as I had. On reaching Old Lithako, on the third day, I found the reports about the Mantatees somewhat revived, and the natives strongly
advised me to proceed no farther than Nokaneng, about twenty miles distant. The reports being such as we had heard before, and knowing that they wished, by every means, to intimidate me, I proceeded on the following day, after having preached to a great number of the natives. On arriving at Nokaneng, I found that rumours had reached that place that the Barolongs, at Kunuana, about one hundred miles off, had been also attacked, and the towms were in the hands of the marauders; but as spies had been sent out to ascertain the truth, I remained, employing every opportunity afforded to impart instruction. The spies returning without having heard anything of the reported invaders, I proceeded, with my small company, towards the Bauangketsi tribes. After travel¬ ling four days over a dry and trackless part of the country, occasionally meeting with a few of the poor Bechuanas, we came to a fine valley, Mosite, in which were some pools, and plenty of game, especially the rhinoceros. Having shot one of these ponderous animals, we halted a day to prepare the meat, by cutting it up into slices, and hanging it in the sun to dry. One would have been more than sufficient for our company; and it was only at the urgent request of the poor people that a couple more were shot, as they very rarely succeed in killing such animals, except it be in a pit-fall.
During our stay at this place a circumstance occurred which may throw some light on the habits of these people, and confirms the old adage, “that the one-half of the world does not know how the other half lives.’’ It was at noonday when a fine large hartebeest (khama of the Bechuanas,) the swiftest of the antelope species,^ darted close past the wagon, and descended towards the extensive valley. Startled by so unusual an occurrence, one of the natives called out, “It is the wild dogs and presently the whole pack made their appearance, following their leader, which was pursuing the antelope. We seized our guns to attack them as beasts of prey. The poor people who were sitting around their flesh-pots started up and followed, begging of us most earnestly not to kill the wild dogs, for they were their pro¬ viders. We of course laid down our guns again, and directed our attention to the khama, which was soon overtaken and seized by the hind leg. It turned round- to defend itself, and then started off till again seized by the wild dog. As we had in a measure retarded the speed of the pack, about thirty in number, the single dog which was engaged baiting the khama looked round and gave a piteous howl for his companions to come to his assistance. When they overtook the poor animal they fell upon it with one accord, and instantly brought it to the ground. One of my men ran off’ in order to secure a piece of the skin, of which he wanted to make shoes, but by the time he reached the spot, nothing remained but bones, and those well picked. These the poor people after¬ wards collected for the sake of the marrow. On
* “The harteheest is one of the finest animals of the antelope family; it is fieet, and graceful in its gait. The male is about seven feet long, and five feet high, with handsome recurvated horns growing from approximated bases. The female is of a smaller size. The fiecsh is good, and bears a considerable resemblance to beef.” — lringle. There are immense herds of these animals in the interior, and generally of a larger size than the above.
farther inquiry, I found that these people are in the habit, when they see an antelope, or even an ostrich, pursued by the wild dogs, of endeavouring to frighten them away, that they may come in for a share of the prey. One of the men, with much feeling for him¬ self and companions, said, patting his hand on his stomach, “Oh, I am glad you did not shoot the dogs, for they often find us a meal.” At another place the poor people were very glad, on the same account, that we had not killed the lion which had been troublesome to us during the night. These children of the desert very promptly described the manner of the wild-dog chase, which I have since had opportunities of witnessing. When the dogs approach a troop of antelopes, they select one, no matter how it may mingle with others on the dusty plain; the dog that starts never loses scent, or, if he does, it is soon discovered by the pack, which follow after, as they spread themselves the more readily to regain it. While the single dog who takes the lead has occasion to make angles in pursuit of his prey, the others, who hear his cry or short howl, avoid a circuitous course, and by this means easily come up again, when a fresh dog resumes the chase, and the other turns into the pack. In this way they relieve each other till they have caught the animal, which they rarely fail to accomplish, though sometimes after a very long run. Should they in their course happen to pass other game much nearer than the one in pur¬ suit, they take no notice of it. These dogs, of which there are two species, never attack man, but are very destructive to sheep and goats, and even to cows, when they come in their way.
While these things were going on we were on the alert, and made inquij’ies of every stranger we met about the invaders, but coukl learn nothing, although we were not more than fifteen miles from the town, of which it was reported the enemy were in possession. We saw, on a distant hei2:]it, some men who were evidently looking our way, and their not approaching our wagons was so unusual with hungry natives, that we thought they must be strangers from a great distance, or some of the Mantatees. Twm days passed over, and on the next, when we were about to start for the Bauangketsi, two Barolongs passing by, informed us of the fact that the Mantatees were in possession of the town, which lay rather in our rear, behind some heights, which we distinctly saw. As one of these men had narrowly escaped with his life in the conflict with that people, no doubt was left in our minds as to the propriety of returning immediately to the place wdience we had come, particularly as there was a probability that our course might be intercepted, some prisoners who had escaped having reported that the enemy were about to start for Lithako. We lost no time in returning to Nokaneng, and were met there by individuals who authenticated my report to some thousands, who were pleasins: themselves with the idea that there was no such enemy. When I arrived at our station the fearful news spread rapidly. A public meeting was convened, and the principal men met, to whom I gave a circumstantial account of all the information I had gathered res])ecting the character and progress of the Mantatees: That they were really a numerous and [)owerful body, had destroyed many towns ot the
Bakone tribes, slaughtered immense numbers of people, laid Kurrechane in ruins, scattered the Barolongs, and, in addition, were said to he cannibals! The alarming tidings produced at first a gloom on every countenance, and when I had finished speaking, a profound silence reigned for some minutes. Mothibi then replied in the name of the assembly, that he was exceedingly thankful that I had been tlogo e that a hard-headed, and pursued my journey, for, by so doing, I had discovered to them their danger.
All were now ready to bless me for having taken my own way. They solicited counsel, but all I could give was to flee to the Colony, or call in the assistance of the Griquas; that as the Bechuanas were entirely unable to resist so numerous and savage a force as the Mantatees, I would proceed instantly to Griqua Town, give information, convey their wishes, and obtain assistance and wagons to remove our goods from the station. Some proposed fleeing to the Kalagare desert; but from this I strongly dissuaded them, fearing that many would perish from want. As no time was to be lost, in the absence of horses, I proceeded with my wagon to Griqua Town, where I had the pleasure of meeting, at Mr. Melvill’s house, George Thompson, Esq., of Cape Town, who was on a tour, and about to visit Lithako.
As soon as the purpose of my embassy was communicated, Waterboer, the chief, started off for Camp¬ bell, on horseback, to confer with the people there, it being the opinion of the Griquas that if the enemy were to be resisted at all, it should be done at a distance. They promised to lose no time in coming to the Kuruman with a party, when further deliberations might be made. Next morning I returned, accompanied by Mr. Thompson, and many anxious minds were anticipating the result of my journey, the public mind being completely unhinged, although no fresh tidings had arrived respecting the objects of their terror. The resolution of the Griquas to meet the enemy at a distance, gave entire satisfaction. Orders were sent off to the different towns and villages, and to the Batlaros, that a pitsho, or parliament, be convened on the following day. As subjects of great national interest were to be discussed, all were in motion early in the morning of June 13, 1823. About 10 A.M. the whole body of armed men, amounting to about 1000, came to the outskirts of the town, and returned again to the public fold or place of assembly, some singing war-songs, others engaged in mockfights, with all the fantastic gestures which their wild imaginations could invent. The whole body took their seats, lining the fold, leaving an arena in the centre for the speakers.
A few short extracts from some of the speeches will serve to show the manner in which these meetings are conducted. Although the whole exhibits a very grotesque scene, business is carried on with the most perfect order. There is but little cheering, and still less hissing, while every speaker fearlessly states his own sentiments. The audience is seated on the ground, (as represented in the accompanying sketch,) each man having before him his shield, to which is attached a number of spears. A quiver containing poisoned arrows, is hung from the shoulder, and a battle-axe is held in his right hand. Many were adorned with tiger-skins, and tails, and had plumes
of feathers waving on their heads.* In the centre a sufficient space was left for the privileged, those who had killed an enemy in battle, to dance and sing, in which they exhibited the most violent and fantastic gestures conceivable, which drew forth from the spectators the most clamorous applause. When they
* This sketch was taken while Mothibi was cutting his capers before commencing his speech. It was natural to expect that, however much the natives might contemn our doctrines, as being in direct opposition to their customs, and to the lusts of the flesh, they would, nevertheless, be led, for their own comfort and convenience, to adopt our plain and simple mode of dress. Though, strictly speaking, they were neither naked nor obscene in their attire and manners, their dress, to say the least, was disgusting. Any thing like an infringement on the ancient garb of the nation was looked on as a caricature of ours, and therefore it appeared in their eyes what a man in this country would be with a lady’s bon¬ net or cap on his head — a Merry-Andrew. Various articles of clothing were sent from England for the queen and noblesse of Lithako; but none of these made their appearance. When visitors came, which in those days was a rare thing, they would offer the present of a garment, which shared the same fate. Mahuto, the queen, promised that if Mrs. M. would make her a dress, she would wear it. She gladly set her needle to work. The dress was presented, but that too disnppeared. When the missionary’s wife prevailed on a couple of girls to come into the house to nurse, and do other little household services, it required some persuasion to induce them to put oit something like a frock to keep them from making every thing the greasy red colour of their owui bodies. When they returned in the evening to their homes, they would throw off the temporary garb, however bright its colours, as some¬ thing filthy and disgusting. An idea may be formed of the fantastic appearance of the natives in the absurd use of some articles of European dress, from the fact that we observed the king, while sitting among the warriors at the meeting, w’earing a white garment, but could form no idea what it was, until he bounded into the arena, and, lo! it was a chemise! Whence it came, or what became of it afterwards, no one knew
il*^’ retire to their seats, the speaker commences, by commanding silence. “Be silent, ye Batlapis. Be silent, ye Barolongs,” addressing each tribe distinctly, not excepting the white people, if any happen to be present, and to which each responds with a groan. He then takes from his shield a spear, and points it in the direction in which the enemy is advancing, im¬ precating a curse upon them, and thus declaring war, by repeatedly thrusting his spear in that direction, as if plunging it into the enemy. This receives a loud whistling sound of applause. He next directs his spear towards the Bushmen-country, south and south¬ west, imprecating also a curse on those “ox-eaters,” as they are called. The king, on this, as on all similar occasions, introduced the business of the day by, “Ye sons of Molehabangue,” — viewing all the influential men present as the friends or allies of his kingdom, which rose to more than its former eminence under the reign of that monarch, his father, — “the Mantatees are a strong and victorious people, they have overwhelmed many nations, and they are approaching to destroy us. We have been apprised of their manners, their deeds, their weapons, and their intentions. We cannot stand against the Mantatees; we must now concert, conclude, and be determined to stand; the case is a great one. You have seen the interest the missionary has taken in your safety; if we exert our¬ selves as he has done, the Mantatees can come no farther. You see the white people are our friends. You see Mr. Thompson, a chief man of the Cape, has come to see us on horseback; he has not come to lurk behind our houses as a spy, but come openly moshume’s speech.
and with confidence; — his intentions are good; he is one on whom the light of day may shine; he is our friend. I now wait to hear what the general opinion is. Let every one speak his mind, and then I shall speak again.” Mothibi manoeuvred his spear as at the commencement, and then pointing it towards heaven, the audience shouted, “Pula” (rain,) on which he sat down amidst a din of applause.
Between each speaker a part or verse of a war-song is sung; the same antics are then performed, and again universal silence is commanded. The second speaker, Moshume, said, ‘‘To-day we are called upon to oppose an enemy who is the enemy of all. Moffat has been near the camp of the enemy: we all opposed his going; we are to-day all glad that he went; he did not listen to us, he has warned us and the Griquas. What are we now to do? If we flee they will overtake us; if we fight they will conquer, they are as strong as a lion, they kill and eat, they leave nothing. (Here an old man interrupted the speaker, begging him to roar aloud that all might hear.) I know ye, Batlapis,” continued Moshume, “that at home and in the face of women ye are men, but women in the face of the enemy; ye are ready to run when you should stand; think, think and prepare your hearts this day, be united in one, make your hearts hard.” Incha, a Morolong, commenced his speech by recommending that the Batlapis should wait till the Mantatees arrived and then attack them; he had scarcely said this, when he was interrupted by Isite, a young chief, who sprang up, calling out, “No, no; who called upon you to speak foolishness?
Was there ever a king or chief of the Bat] apis who said you must stand up and speak? Do you intend to instruct the sons of Molehabangue? Be silent! You say you know the men, and yet you wish us to wait till they enter our town; the Mantatees are conquerors, and, if we flee, we must lose all. Hear and I will speak; let us attack the enemy where they are; if we retreat, there will be time for those in the rear to flee. We may fight and flee, and at last conquer; this we cannot do if we wait till they approach our town.” This speech was loudly cheered, while India silently sat down. A chief, considerably advanced in years, afterwards addressed the assembly. ‘‘Ye sons of Molehabangue, ye have now had experience enough to convince you that it is your duty to proceed against the Mantatees, who have no object but to steal and destroy. Ye sons of Molehabangue! ye sons of Molehabangue! ye have done well this day. You are now actino; wisely, first to deliberate and then to proceed: the missionary has discovered our danger, like the rising sun after a dark night; a man sees the danger he was in when darkness shut his eyes. We must not act like Bechuanas, we must act like Makooas (white people). Is this our pitsho? No, it is the pitsho of the missionary; therefore we must speak and act like Makooas.”
Taisho arose, and having commanded silence, was received with reiterated applause; on which an old warrior rushed furiously up to him, and holding forth his arm, called out, “Behold the man who shall speak wisdom. Be silent, be instructed; a man, a wise man has stood up to speak.” Taisho informed the preceding speaker that he was the man who charged his people with desertion in time of war. “Ye cowards, ye vagabonds,” he exclaimed, “deny the charge if you can. Shall I count up how often you have done so? Were I to repeat the instances, you would decamp like a chastened dog, or with shame place your heads between your knees.” Addressing the assembly, he said, “I do not rise to-day to make speeches, I shall wait till the day of mustering. I beseech you to reflect on what is before you, and let the subject sink deep into your hearts, that you may not turn your backs in the day of battle.” Turning to the king, he said, “You are too indifferent about the concerns of your people; you are rolled up in apathy; you are now called upon to show that you are a king and a man.”
When several other speakers had delivered their sentiments, chiefly exhorting to unanimity and courage, Mothibi resumed his central position, and after the usual gesticulations, commanded silence. Having noticed some remarks of the preceding speakers, he added, “It is evident that the best plan is to proceed against the enemy, that they come no nearer; let not our towns be the seat of war; let not our houses be the scenes of bloodshed and destruction. No! let the blood of the enemy be spilt at a distance from our wives and children.” Turning to the aged chief, he said, “I hear you, my father; I understand you, my father; your words are true, they are good for the ear; it is good that we he instructed by the Makooas; I wish those evil who will not obey; I wish that they may be broken in pieces.” Then addressing the warriors, ‘‘ There are many of you who do not deserve to eat out of a bowl, but only out of a broken pot; think on what has been said, and obey without murmuring. I command you, ye chiefs of the Batlapis, Batlaros, Bamairis, Barolongs, and Bakotus, that you acquaint all your tribes of the proceedings of this day; let none be ignorant; I say again, ye warriors, prepare for the battle! let your shields be strong, your quivers full of arrows, and your battle axes as sharp as hunger.” “Be silent, ye Kidney-eaters,”* (addressing the old men,)
ye who are of no farther use but to bang about for kidneys when an ox is slaughtered. If your oxen are taken, where will you get any more?” Turning to the women, be said, “Prevent not the warrior from going out to battle by your cunning insinuations. No, rouse the warrior to glory, and be will return with honourable scars, fresh marks of valour will cover bis thighs, and we shall then renew the war-song and dance, and relate the story of our con¬ quest.” At the conclusion of this speech the air was rent with acclamations, the whole assembly occasion¬ ally joining in the dance; the women frequently taking the weapons from the hands of the men, and brandishing them in the most violent manner; and people of all ages using the most extravagant and frantic gestures for nearly two hours.
* Kidneys are eaten only by the aged, and young people will not taste them on any account, from the superstitious idea that they can have no children if they do so.