Elders spell out taboos for leopard hunting expedition
28 May, 2008

GABORONE - The team that will hunt for the leopard that will be used to drape Kgosi Kgafela Kgafela of Bakgatla will have to follow all the procedures laid down by tribal elders.

One of the elders, Seatla Ntshole of Manamakgote ward, who is also a traditional doctor, says men with expectant partners and those with young babies that have not teethed should not be part of the team as they are sick.

The hunters will also be ordered not to sleep with women prior to their departure as that will bring them bad luck. According to Ntshole, those who disregard and defy the instructions will never return from the expedition, as they have hot blood and the hunted leopard will turn on them and kill them.

He said the procedure is that the hunting team is given instructions by the kgosi with the help of a traditional doctor for protection.

Ntshole said the leader of the hunting expedition is also appointed and the team is warned not to cut any tree branch, stick or even to eat wild fruits.

He said they are instructed to eat the provisions provided only, and not to seek a secluded spot if they want to relieve themselves.

If you want to relieve yourself, you just drop your pants in front of your colleagues, said Ntshole, adding that hiding behind a tree is taboo. Another elder, Thejwane Rakereng said hunting a leopard for the kgosi is not for the sick.

He said even those with bad habits such as stealing and witchcraft are not supposed to be on the expedition. The leopard will see them as enemies and attack them, said Rakereng.

He said even when others run for their life, tainted members will be immobilised and killed. He said it could take a day or a week before the expedition returns with the killed leopard. BOPA

OK, not THAT outlandish I guess. I wouldn't want to have a hunting partner who steals or practices witchcraft either!

I certainly agree that sleeping with women can bring bad luck. No offense intended, Kathi. Thanks for your many interesting and informative posts.

Looks like common sense to me. Much like rules in the bible. They are there by dictate but solve issues.

says men with expectant partners and those with young babies that have not teethed should not be part of the team

Leopard is considered dangerous game for a reason. Chief doesn't want to be responsible for a bunch of little tikes running around without Daddy. Because Daddy bought the farm trying to get him a robe.

"hunters will also be ordered not to sleep with women prior to their departure as that will bring bad luck"

In other words... don't be late when everyones getting ready to leave. It will piss off your hunting party.

"warned not to cut any tree branch, stick"

Don't make noise! The leopard will leave.

" or even to eat wild fruits. He said they are instructed to eat the provisions provided only"

And get sick. How many in the party would have to take care of just one sick guy. Chief needs a leopard.

"not to seek a secluded spot if they want to relieve themselves. "

Common guys. There are lions outside the village. Geez... do we have to spell it all out.

"even those with bad habits such as stealing and witchcraft are not supposed to be on the expedition"

This is a team effort. No better way to ruin the party then having the guy that stole your VCR out hunting leopard with you.

quote:

Originally posted by JohnHunt:
Looks like common sense to me. Much like rules in the bible. They are there by dictate but solve issues.

says men with expectant partners and those with young babies that have not teethed should not be part of the team
Leopard is considered dangerous game for a reason. Chief doesn't want to be responsible for a bunch of little tikes running around without Daddy. Because Daddy bought the farm trying to get him a robe.

"hunters will also be ordered not to sleep with women prior to their departure as that will bring bad luck"

In other words... don't be late when everyones getting ready to leave. It will piss off your hunting party.

"warned not to cut any tree branch, stick"

Don't make noise! The leopard will leave.

" or even to eat wild fruits. He said they are instructed to eat the provisions provided only"

And get sick. How many in the party would have to take care of just one sick guy. Chief needs a leopard.

"not to seek a secluded spot if they want to relieve themselves. "

Common guys. There are lions outside the village. Geez... do we have to spell it all out.

"even those with bad habits such as stealing and witchcraft are not supposed to be on the expedition"

This is a team effort. No better way to ruin the party then having the guy that stole your VCR out hunting leopard with you.