Structure and Fluidity in Khoisan Religious Ideas

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Periodical article

Title:	Structure and Fluidity in Khoisan Religious Ideas
Author:	Barnard, Alan
Year:	1988
Periodical:	Journal of Religion in Africa
Volume:	18
Issue:	3
Period:	October
Pages:	216-236
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Southern Africa
Subjects:	African religions Khoikhoi San Religion and Witchcraft Peoples of Africa (Ethnic Groups)
External link:	https://www.jstor.org/stable/pdf/1580940.pdf
Abstract:	This paper examines some of the prominent features of Khoisan religion in a regional-comparative framework, and with particular concern towards the translation of religious ideas and the understanding of religious conversion. With emphasis on belief rather than ritual, this paper analyses the importance of the moon, concepts of 'God', and the interrelation between Gods, heroes and spirits among the various Khoisan groups (Bushmen, Damara and Khoekhoe). It shows that the Bushmen have assimilated ideas and stories from other groups and systems more easily than the other Khoisan groups, and that only a small fraction of Bushmen have been converted to Christianity. This can be explained from the fact that their social structure is more flexible than that of the other Khoisan groups. Bibliogr., notes.