XHOSA AND THEIR CATTLE

The over-riding theme of the Xhosa is animal husbandry. The central point of a Xhosa community is the cattle kraal. It is the social centre for men. The cattle are not regularly eaten but are used for a their milk, skin, hide, horns [for containers], and dung [for heating and building]. Traditionally they are the most important medium of exchange amoangst the Xhosa.