The Orphan And The Ants � Part 2 Modimo Wa Kgale

The descendents of Matsieng, generally merafe that would in more modern times be aggregated with the labels Bakgalagari (Bakgalalgadi) and Western Batswana, prayed for Tintibane’s intervention through the mediums of Lowe and/or Thobega-a-Phatswa. The later, identified in his youthful manifestation as Thibela, became immortal after marrying Tintibane’s daughter Mmape. Thereafter, he assumed the status as Lowe’s gatekeeper.

In paying homage to Tintibane, generations of Batswana and Bakgalagari thus affirmed their own status as indigenous occupiers of the ground of Matsieng and Masilo. In this context, Lowe’s cave remained, at least until recently, a place of pre-Christian pilgrimage. Early missionaries and other 19th century European visitors also spoke of its significance.