The God of the Xhosa

A Study of the Origins and Development of the Traditional Concepts of the Supreme Being

Author

Janet Hodgson

Publisher

Oxford University Press, Cape Town, 1982

Printing Details

First edition, first printing. Hardback in dustwrapper. 21.5 × 14cm, 131pp.

From the dustwrapper, "This study attempts to trace the origin and development of the traditional Xhosa concepts of the supreme being in order to demonstrate the dynamics of the process of religion change. The scene is set with a brief resume of Xhosa history and society to illustrate the disturbance of their socio-cultural experience and, more especially, how interaction with the Khoisan over an extended period of time led to cultural diffusion. This provides a framework for a discussion of Xhosa myths of origin and coming of death. Concepts of the supreme being are dealt with according to the different God-names, These are described together with their functions and the Khoisan and missionary influences on them. The whole is set within the context of Xhosa history indicating some of the influences which determined selection and acceptance of new elements from the incoming traditions.

The most significant change in the Xhosa concept of the supreme being was from a background god who was conceived as first cause and sky deity to a deity who was actively involved in human affairs. These changes are part of an ongoing process which prepared the way for the interpretation of Christianity within the Xhosa tradition from the beginning of the 19th century. This has significant implications for the African consciousness movement today."

Condition

The book itself is in very good condition with clean pages and secure binding. The dustwrapper is sun-faded to the spine and rubbed and chipped to the joints and edges.