Abantu

the long version

This book is about the tribal people of Southern Africa who have ceased to exist. So much has changed, so much is changing and so much has already been lost. Dr Martin West and Jean Norris have collaborated to create an image in words and pictures of what remains of the traditional African way of life in South Africa. All the major groups are described; their customs, rituals and dress are shown and the meanings discussed. This is a record of a way of life centuries old but now, inexorably, drawing to an end. It may well be that at some point in the future, all that will remain of this proud heritage will be its oblique reflection in the new emerging black society.