Khoe

Khoe refers to a group of indigenous peoples indigenous to southern Africa, historically known as the Khoikhoi or Khoi. They are part of the larger Khoisan cultural horizon, which also includes the San. The Khoi traditionally occupied areas of present‑day Namibia, South Africa, Botswana, and Angola, particularly the semi‑arid regions east of the Cape. Their society was largely pastoral, raising cattle and sheep, and they were known for their distinctive pastoralist and semi‑nomadic lifestyle.

The Khoisan peoples are linguistically notable as they speak Khoe‑Kwadi languages, a family that is distinct from the Bantu languages of the region and is characterized by a rich inventory of click consonants. The Khoe languages are subdivided into several branches, including Khoekhoe (also written Khoekhoegowab), Nama, and Khwe. Khoekhoe is the most extensively documented of these languages and has a long oral literature tradition.

Traditional Khoi social organization was typically organized around small, mobile clans, and they had a deep spiritual belief system that emphasized the interconnectedness of people, animals, and the natural world. Their art includes elaborate rock paintings and artifacts made from bone and stone. Historically, contact with European colonizers in the 17th century brought significant upheaval, including land dispossession, disease, and the introduction of firearms, which disrupted their way of life.

In contemporary times, many Khoi people maintain cultural practices through community associations and cultural revitalization efforts. The legal status of Khoi land rights varies by country, and various organizations advocate for recognition and restitution. The study of Khoi ethnography, archaeology, and linguistics continues to provide insight into the pre‑colonial history of southern Africa.