The site of a herd of Nguni cattle at pasture –
their multiple patterns and colours, the delicacy of the cows, the fine,
strong conformation of the bulls, the strength of the horned oxen –
is a sight that has entranced pastoralists foe thousands of years.
Each beast in a herd of Nguni is individual in the combination of its
colour pattern, horn shape, gender, status and history. Each occupant
of the byre has its story, as does any member of the household, and carries
its complex identity in the names and terms that describe its attributes.
It is not just a commodity.
The great diversity in the colour and pattern of the Nguni cattle can
be classified according to certain perceptions of what the colour patterns
resemble and signify. This system of naming is highly complex and, although
primarily used for purposes of identification, it is, nevertheless, characterized
by metaphorical and elusive language. These metaphorical associations
are the key to appreciating the complexity and beauty of the language
used in the system of the classification of Nguni cattle. Many of the
terms must be of ancient origin, for, all over Africa, cattle terms are
linked with birds, plants, trees and a variety of other concepts, and
demonstrate the pastoralists’ perception with their herds.
Extract from:
The Abundant Herds
Marguerite Poland and David Hammond-Tooke
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