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KhoisanThe Khoikhoi and San were the first people to utilize this area. San rock art can still be seen at nearby Wemmershoek and Bainskloof. What is today known as Paarl Mountain, used to be called “Tortoise Mountain” by the Khoikhoi. Early European expeditions (mid 17th century) to the interior described various “Hottentot” kraals next to the Berg River. The Berg River Valley formed the traditional border between the Peninsular Khoikhoi (the Gorachoqua and the Goringhaiqua) and the Cochoqua. The latter group moved their cattle around the various grazing areas of the Berg River- and Drakenstein Valleys. The Cochoqua was one of the richest and strongest of the Khoi tribes and had between 16 000 and 18 000 members. Chief Oedasoa and his second in command, Gonnema ruled them. The Cochoqua were defeated during the second war between the colonists and Khoikhoi and most of their livestock were looted. After the deaths of Oedasoa and Gonnema, the rest of the tribe dispersed. Some trekked towards the Orange River and others started working for the colonists. Klaas Stuurman, a Khoi captain towards the end of the 18th century: "We lived very contentedly ... before these Dutch plunderers molested us; and why should we not do so again; if left to ourselves? Has not the Groot Baas ... given plenty of grass-roots, and berries, and grasshoppers for our use; and, till the Dutch destroyed them, an abundance of wild animals to hunt? And will they not return and multiply, when these destroyers are gone?" |
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