The New International Encyclopædia/Bechuanas

BECHUANAS, be-chwä'naz. Tribes of Bantu stock in the Transvaal Colony and centre of South Africa, who since the colonizing of South Africa have become well known. In response to civilizing influences, and from natural adaptability, the Bechuanas are among the most advanced nations of Africa. Their strong military and political organizations are shown in the formation of powerful native &lsquo;kingdoms&rsquo; and the extensive migratory movements of the tribes, though they are peaceable in disposition and skillful agriculturists. Totemism prevails, and &lsquo;rain-doctors&rsquo; exercise much influence. In color they are brown rather than black; their height averages 1.684 metres.