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Bakubung Clan — History & Meaning

Tswana clan · Setswana

Totem Kubu (hippopotamus) — the name Bakubung means 'people of the hippopotamus'.

History & origin

The Bakubung are a Sotho-Tswana clan whose name and totem are the hippopotamus (kubu). Branches are found in South Africa's North West Province and surrounding areas (the name survives in places such as Bakubung near the Pilanesberg). As with other Tswana clans, identity is inherited patrilineally and the totem animal is respected and traditionally not eaten.

Associated surnames

Surnames that share this clan: Bakubung ba Ratheo (a documented branch).

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.

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