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Barolong-boo-Rapulana Clan — History & Meaning
Tswana clan · Setswana
Totem Originally iron (tshipi); later the kudu (tholo)
History & origin
One of the four principal Barolong sections that split off after King Tau's death (c.1670), descended from the Rapulana line. They settled mainly in the Lichtenburg area of North West Province, South Africa. They share the common Barolong heritage of iron-working under the ancestor Morolong, with iron (tshipi) as the ancient totem and the kudu (tholo) adopted later. In the 19th century the Rapulana were at times rivals of the Ratshidi in the conflicts around Mafikeng.
Associated surnames
Surnames that share this clan: Rapulana, Matlaba, Barolong surnames.
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.