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Barolong Clan — History & Meaning
Tswana clan · Setswana
Totem Kudu (Setswana: tholo)
History & origin
An old and senior Tswana group traditionally traced to the founder Morolong (reigned c. 1240), who is said to have adopted the tholo (kudu) totem. The name is linked to metalworking (the root rola, to forge/hammer), and the Barolong are noted for an iron-smithing legacy using horn and clay tuyeres. The warrior king Tau (c. 1660) consolidated the kingdom; his sons Ratlou, Tshidi, Seleka and Rapulana gave their names to the four major Barolong sub-clans (e.g. Barolong boo Ratshidi, Barolong boo Seleka). The Barolong spread across Botswana, the former Transvaal, the Northern Cape and the Free State, with Thaba Nchu and Mahikeng as historic centres.
Associated surnames
Surnames that share this clan: Morolong, Tau, Ratlou, Tshidi, Seleka, Rapulana, Montshioa.
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.