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Baphuthing Clan — History & Meaning
Sotho clan · Sesotho
Totem phuthi (duiker, a small antelope)
History & origin
The Baphuthing ("people of the duiker"), totem the phuthi (duiker), are likewise traditionally listed among the earliest Sesotho-speaking groups to cross the Drakensberg into the Caledon and highveld region, alongside the Maphetla and Mapolane. During the difaqane the Baphuthing under chief Tsuene/Tshane were raided and scattered; many were incorporated into Moshoeshoe I's Basotho. They should be distinguished from the related-but-separate Baphuthi of southern Lesotho (under Moorosi), who were an Nguni-influenced group; the Baphuthing duiker-totem Sotho clan is the one meant in the standard Basotho clan lists.
Associated surnames
Surnames that share this clan: Mophuthing, Phuthing, Phuthi.
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.