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Bakgwatlheng Clan — History & Meaning
Tswana clan · Setswana
Totem Not reliably confirmed in the sources consulted (often associated with the kwena/crocodile through Bakwena/Barolong links, but I will not assert a totem I cannot verify).
History & origin
The Bakgwatlheng (Bakgwatheng) are, like the Bakaa, a breakaway from the Barolong and claim descent from the ancient ruler Masilo. Tradition has a group separating from the Barolong and establishing themselves at Molepolole (in present-day Botswana) by about 1500. They share in the wider Tswana genesis traditions around the ancestor/figure Matsieng (associated with origin and early Tautona/kingship myth).
Associated surnames
Surnames that share this clan: Barolong (parent group).
We publish the full diboko (clan praises) only once we can verify them against documented tradition — for this clan they are still being confirmed. If you can share an authoritative version, corrections are warmly welcomed.