Ketwago’s religion
It is almost night on the Kalahari Desert in southern Africa. As the sun
sets, the sky turns red, then purple, then black. Ketwago watches the
stars come out. He believes they are the eyes of people who have died.
Ketwago’s father, Tose, has made the evening fire. Fire is a man-thing,
so women may not start it, just as they may not hunt animals or touch
bows and arrows. Only the men, and boys Ketwago’s age and older, do the
hunting. The women and girls search for melons, seeds, and roots to eat.
When food is scarce, everyone works hard. But at night, everyone
relaxes. All the men, women, and children sit around the fire, enjoying
its warmth and eating. It is a time for storytelling, joking, and
dancing. Ketwago believes that the most important of all things is to
enjoy the company of other people. He tries hard never to be
quarrelsome, mean, or angry. Sharing what he has with others is as
natural to him as breathing.
Ketwago believes that the world and all things in it were made by
Ntadima, who is everywhere and is all-powerful. Ketwago does not pray to
Ntadima, for Ntadima is too great for that. But Ketwago tries not to be
proud or mean, for Ntadima does not like that. And Ketwago believes that
if a man kills more animals than he needs for food, Ntadima will be
angry.
Ketwago is one of a group of people called Bushmen. The beliefs of the
Bushmen have to do with their practical, everyday needs. They are
interested most in finding food and living together happily.
