Hunters among farmers

Through moving life histories, Akira Takada gives the !Xun of north-central
Namibia a voice in their own history.

In contrast to other marginalised San minorities, the !Xun foster co-operative
relationships with their neighbours, the Ovawambo and with the state. In the face
of radical social changes over the past century, they have maintained traditional
hunting and gathering as a backstop but also sold their skills and labour, acquired
their own farms and livestock, and enriched their child-rearing practices in
changing ecological conditions. Central to their identity and resilience are
their kinship and naming practices which preserve their ethnic cohesion while
promoting relationships with other groups.

Contributing to an established literature on the San, Takada’s book will allow
detailed regional comparison on the !Kung-speaking groups of northern
Namibia. Charming sketches from his notebooks give an intimate view of the
anthropologist in the field.

I aim to weave a vivid tapestry of life as experienced by the !Xun.
Akira Takada