HISTORY
The Kaang people originate from South Africa. They are considered to be one of the oldest peoples in the world. They have no name for themselves; they are known only as “the people.” Nearby tribes have called them the San people. During their fight with colonists, they were given the name Bushmen, meaning outlaw. This is the name they are said to prefer. The people were proud that they defended their land and did not give in the colonists who tried to take it from them.
The Kaang people live in and around the Kalahari Desert. Only about 100,000 remain in the area. Others were among those who migrated from the country across the Middle East. Some believe that creation took place in Africa and that all human beings have African roots.
The Kaang people are mainly hunter-gatherers who are experts in the plant and animal life on their land. This knowledge allows them to move frequently with their family group and live in harsh conditions. They know where to find items they need to survive, and how to use these items. The people move around from area to area as they allow the plants they use to ripen and replenish themselves. Only what will be used is harvested.
The people have a deep respect for all living creatures. They believe that all living things are connected to each other. The chief (Shaman), has spiritual authority over the people, but he does not dictate how the people live their lives. The Shaman is part of the community meeting group that gathers to discuss issues of the people.
GODS
Kaang people believe in one creator God and many lesser deities. They use the stories of the gods to teach about good and moral behavior. Kaang is the god of the people, who married the sorceress Coti. Together they had two sons, Cogaz and Gewi.
STORY OF CREATION
Kaang and his people once lived below the earth. In that place, there was peace and harmony among all creatures, and humans and animals could understand each other. There was light without the sun because Kaang was present. One day Kaang decided to create a world above the earth. He created a huge tree which had branches that spread across the whole country. After he had created the world as he wanted it, he made a hole at the base of the tree and helped the first man to get through it. After the man had ascended through the hole, the first woman came next.
After all the people and animals were gathered together, Kaang told them to remain at peace with each other and never to build a fire. He said that fire would bring about evil consequences, and the people agreed. Kaang then ascended above the earth where he could secretly observe his creation. The people and animals got along fine exploring the new world until the sun went down. The people, lacking fur and nocturnal vision, became cold and frightened. One man had the idea of building a fire, and soon their promise to Kaang was forgotten. The fire scared the animals, and they fled to the mountains and caves for protection. This ended communication between humans and animals, and fear replaced the friendship they once had.
LESSONS IN THE STORY
This story is used to explain the creation of the world and its inhabitants, as well as to teach about good and bad behavior. The story emphasizes the importance of obeying the laws of Kaang. The creatures got along fine until they were given freedom to roam away from the enclosed presence of Kaang. They quickly forgot the protection, provision, and peace that he had always provided. At the first sign of trouble, they disobeyed him.
This story also represents the value that the Bushmen place on man’s interaction with animals. Bushmen don’t like interfering with nature, and seem to feel resentment toward those first men who cut the lines of communication between man and animals. This is why it is important that the people only take from the earth that which is necessary for survival. Also, the people honor the spirits of those who have passed on before them. This is another way that they can try to make peace with nature and those still living. The Bushmen believe that the dead return to the world as stars. This way they shine light down on their family on the earth.
This story coincides more with stories such as the Christian creation myth rather than evolution or physics. The world was not created in a blast, nor did it evolve over time, and humans appeared in the world one by one. One single God created the world and its inhabitants, and he retired to a place afar off where he could watch his people.
No matter the similarities or differences, this is only one myth about the creation of life which alludes to positive and negative behavior and the consequences each elicits.
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