Cafreria

1701 South Africa map by Herman Moll in A system of geography

Cafreria, also known as the Land of Cafres, occupies the most southern portions of Africa, encompassing the Cape of Good Hope and extending along the coasts of the Aethiopick Sea. It serves as a geographical boundary for various African regions and is renowned for its natural diversity, including fertile valleys, mountainous terrains, and vast coastlines. Though often described as a land of contrasts, Cafreria is equally notable for its unique inhabitants, resources, and cultural practices.

Etymology and other names

The name "Cafreria" derives from the term "Cafres," signifying "lawless people," as it was once believed that its inhabitants lived without kings, laws, or faith. Over time, this notion has been partially refuted, as the region’s inhabitants were found to have several rulers and local governance systems. Other names for the region include "Land of Libertines," reflecting the perceived absence of structured societal norms.

Modern	N/A
	Cafreria
	Cafferia
	The Land of Cafres
	Land of Libertines

History

Cafreria’s history intertwines with the Empire of Monomotapa, which once extended its influence over large portions of this land.

Towns they have none, or very few, for the most part living in the Woods and Forests, like brute Beasts. But the Cafres on the East are much more civil than the others; most of them have made a part, and are yet subject to the Mono-Motapa, who about 50 years ago divided his Estate into four parts, giving to his eldest Son what is within Land, and by much the greatest part; and to his three younger Sons, Zuiteva, Sedanda, and Chicanga, towards the Sea-Coast, for their Portions. Cefala or Zefala seems to make its piece apart, whose King pays Tribute both to the Mono-Motapa and the Portugals; and these have divers Fortresses on the Coast, Sena, Tete, Cuama.

Geography

Cafreria encompasses approximately 1,200 leagues of coastline, stretching from Cape Negro to the River Cuama. Its landscape is dominated by chains of mountains, including the famed Mountains of the Moon, and valleys rich in flora and fauna. The Cape of Good Hope, the southernmost point of Africa, is the region’s most prominent landmark. Other notable features include rivers such as Zembre, Riode Spirito Sancto, and Los Infantos, as well as coastal capes like Cape St. Lucia and Cape of Needles.

Demographics

The inhabitants of Cafreria, described as black-skinned with distinctive physical traits such as flat noses and thick lips, are noted for their diverse cultural practices. Many live without permanent settlements, residing instead in forests and valleys. While some communities are considered more civil, particularly those under Monomotapa’s influence, others maintain a nomadic and rudimentary way of life. The eastern Cafres are generally regarded as more advanced than their western counterparts.

Economy

Cafreria’s economy is deeply rooted in natural resource extraction and trade. Gold mining is a prominent industry, with rivers and mountains yielding some of the purest gold in Africa. The Portuguese play a significant role in the region’s economy, facilitating trade in gold, ivory, and other goods. The Cafres barter cattle and other resources with foreign traders in exchange for small trinkets, knives, and textiles.

Culture

Cafrerian culture is characterized by its simplicity and connection to the natural world. The people adorn themselves with iron chains, beads, and other ornaments, often cutting their skin into decorative patterns. Clothing is minimal, with animal skins used for warmth during colder seasons. Some inhabitants acknowledge a supreme being, known as Humma, whom they praise or reproach depending on weather conditions.

Government

Governance in Cafreria varies across its territories. While some regions operate under petty kings and local chieftains, others are subject to the Emperor of Monomotapa. In coastal areas like Sofala, the Portuguese maintain control through fortified garrisons, collecting tributes and overseeing trade.

Military

The region’s military capabilities are largely decentralized, with individual kings and rulers maintaining their own forces. The Portuguese presence, bolstered by fortresses, provides additional security and asserts dominance over strategic trade routes. Conflicts often arise over resources and territorial claims.

Sources from old books

1682. Cosmography and geography in two parts by Richard Blome.

The Third shall contain The Land and Coast of CAFRES, which encompasseth the Empire of MONOMOTAPA, with its Parts of

• MATAMAN,
  • Angra dos Negros,
  • Cabo Negro,
  • Doileus portus.
• Coast of CAFRES, particularly so called,
  • Cape St. Anthony,
  • Cape St. Lucia,
  • St. Martins-Bay,
  • Cape of Good Hope,
  • Carascalis Portus.
  • Biscarius Portus,
  • St. Nicholai.
• CHICANGA, — Zimbaos.
• QUITEVA,
  • Deje,
  • Cuama.
• ZEFALAN, — Zefalan.

CAFRERIA, or the Land of CAFRES.

CAFRERIA, or the Land of CAFRES, makes the most Southern Coast of all Aethiopia, winding like a Semicircle about the Cape of Good Hope; some begin it from Cape Negro, and continue it unto the River of Cuama; this separating it from Zanguebar, and the other from Congo, or what we have esteemed with Congo. Others begin it and end it with the Tropick of Capricorn, as well on this side as beyond the Cape of Good Hope. I esteem under the name of Cafres all the Coasts which environ the Mono-Motapa, both towards the West, South, and East: so that we may call these Cafres, Occidental, Meridional, and Oriental. This distinction being taken in regard of the natural scituation in which these People are from the Mono-Motapa; or we may chuse rather to consider them in Occidental or Oriental, as we have already done; the Cape of Good Hope then keeping the one from the other. It hath formerly been believed, that these People had neither Kings, Law, nor Faith, and therefore were called Cafres, that is, without Law. But it hath since been known, that they have divers Kings and Lords; as those of Mataman, where there are divers Metals, Chrystal, &c. And of Melemba, among the Occidentals; those of Chicanga, Sedanda, Quiteva, and Zefala, among the Orientals; and others we know not, towards the South and Cape of Good Hope.

On the Coast of Cafres are these places and Isles, viz. St. Nicolai, Piscarius, the Port of Carascalis, the Cape of Good Hope, St. Martins Bay, and the Cape of St. Lucia. Also these Isles, 4 bearing the name of St. Lucia, 2 of St. Christophers, 5 of Crucis, and 3 of Aride. Many of which, as likewise the Capes, are well known by Sea-men, especially the Cape of Good Hope. All these Coasts of Cafreria are bounded within Land by a Chain of Mountains, formed by the Mountains of the Moon, and which inclose Mono-Motapa. That part of these Mountains which advance towards the Cape of Good Hope, are called by the Portugals, Picos Fragos, that is, Watry Points or Rocks. This Cape is the most remarkable piece in Cafreria; the most Southern point of Africa, and of our Continent; and the most famous Promontory of the whole World. Vasco de Gama knew it in 1498, and after having doubled it, found the way by the East-Indies to the Great Sea; and from hence the Portugals boast to have been the first that had the knowledge of this Cape. But we have made appear in the general discourse of Africa, that the Ancients have both known and spoke of it. Near the Cape of Good Hope, and farther towards the South, is the Cape of Needles, which should be more famous, since it is more Southernly than the other by 12 or 15 Leagues: But the name, Cape of Good Hope, is given to all that Head of Land which is the most Southern of Africa.

The Air of this Country is sometimes temperate, and sometimes cold, by reason of the Mountains which are covered with Snow and Ice, from whence descends quantity of cold Waters. The Vallies and Lower Countries pleasant and fertil; hath store of Woods and Forests, in which are abundance of Beasts and Fowls, as Deer, Antilopes, Baboons, Foxes, Hares, &c. Also Ostriches, Herons, Pelicans, Pheasants, Partridges, Geese, Ducks, &c. They are well supplied with good Water, feed much Cattle, which they truck with Strangers for Knives, Scizzars, Spoons, and divers Toys; they have likewise much Fish in their Rivers.

The Inhabitants are Black, have thick Lips, flat Noses, long Ears; and in a word, very ill-shapen. They are more barbarous and brutish than the rest of Africa, they are Man-eaters; their chief ornaments in their Apparel are, Chains of Iron, Brass, Beads, Bells, or the like; and cutting and slashing their Skins in several shapes. Clothing they have none, only in the Cold season they wrap themselves about with Skins of Beasts. Towns they have none, or very few, for the most part living in the Woods and Forests, like brute Beasts. But the Cafres on the East are much more civil than the others; most of them have made a part, and are yet subject to the Mono-Motapa, who about 50 years ago divided his Estate into four parts, giving to his eldest Son what is within Land, and by much the greatest part; and to his three younger Sons, Zuiteva, Sedanda, and Chicanga, towards the Sea-Coast, for their Portions. Cefala or Zefala seems to make its piece apart, whose King pays Tribute both to the Mono-Motapa and the Portugals; and these have divers Fortresses on the Coast, Sena, Tete, Cuama, &c.

Zefala is so abundant in Gold and Elephants, that some take it for the Ophir whither Solomon sent his Fleet every three years: And they give for a reason, that the Gold, Ivory, Apes, &c. which that Fleet brought, are here found in abundance; That this Fleet parting from the Red Sea, there is no likelyhood it should go to Peru, which some take for this Ophir; besides, that there is there neither Ivory nor Apes; but that it was rather to some part of Asia or Africa. They add, that there remains not far from Zefala some footsteps of ancient Buildings and Inscriptions, left there by Strangers long time ago: Nay likewise, that there is some notes and Books how Solomon sent thither his Fleet. Moreover, the Septuagint translate Sophira instead of Ophir, and the name of Sophira is not overmuch different from Sopholo. However it be, there is here store of Gold both in the Mountains and Rivers, and often very clean and pure, as well in Powder as Sand; and this Gold is esteemed the best and finest in Africa, ours seeming but Brass in comparison of it.

The Country is healthful and pleasant, seated only on the Coast, the Mono-Motapa confining it within Land: A part of its now Inhabitants are not the Natives, but descended from that Coast which belonged to the Mono-Motapa. The Natives (as I said before) are Black, and Idolaters or Cafres, the others very swarthy, and for the most part Mahometans. They have a great Trade on this Coast for their Gold, two or three Millions being yearly brought hence, and that for Toys and things of a very small value, which are carried them from divers parts of Asia and Europe, and some parts of Africa.

1685. Geographia universalis: the present state of the whole world by Pierre Duval.

The Land of Cafreria is the most Southern of all Africk; nay, of all our Continent, reaching along the Aethiopick-Sea, with an extent of Coasts, for about twelve hundred Leagues, part in the Torrid, and part in the temperate Southern Zone. 'Tis full of Mountains, subject to great Colds, and under several petty Kings, who for the most part pay tribute to the Emperour of Mono-Motapa. The King of Sofala pays it to the King of Portugal, who has a Garrison in the Castle of Sofala, and who, by the means of this Garrison, draws abundance of Gold from the Mines, which are in the inland Countrey. This Gold is accounted as good as any in the World; they gather it likewise in the Rivers, with Nets, after there has been Rain. Solomon might possibly have had his come from hence, which he employed in the building of the Temple. The Coast of Cafreria is low, and full of Woods: the Soyl produces Flowers of an grateful smell, and the Trees make a curious prospect. Three great Rivers discharge 'emselves into the Indian Seas, through Cafreria, all three known in the beginning, under the name of Zambera, Cuama, Spirito Santo, les Infantes.

The Cafres live without Law, so as their Name speaks them. They often furnish the Seamen, who come thither, with their Cattel: But the Mariners now cause the Oxen they buy to betied to great Posts, and shut up the Sheep before they pay 'em, because the Cafres, after having sold 'em, were used to make 'em return home with the Call of a Whistle, which is wholly peculiar to 'em. We may say of 'em, in seeing their colour, that they resemble our Chimney-sweepers; Besides, that they have big Heads, flat Noses; whether they take care to break them in their infancy; or that this happens, because when they are little, their Mothers carry them continually upon the Back: Be it how it will, they look upon it as one of the Beauties of the Countrey, to have them in that manner. They have frizl'd Hair, Lips extraordinary big, the Chine of the Back sticking out sharp, and very large Hips, insomuch, that nothing can be seen more terrible: So that we are not to wonder if Pirard calls 'em, those Devils of Cafres.

The Cape of Good Hope, which lies toward the most Southern part of this Countrey, is by much the longest; the most famous and the most dangerous Cape in the World. 'Twas called so, in hopes of arriving suddenly at the East-Indies, when it was veered in the year 1498. Before, it had the Name of the Tempestuous Cape, from the storms that are frequent thereabouts. Some have call'd it the Lyon of the Sea, others the Head of Africa: There are Signs by which the Sailers know when they are near it; fifty or sixty Leagues off they find the Bodies of great Reeds, called Trombes, floating on the Sea; and they see flying a number of white Birds, mark'd with black spots. They who return from the East-Indies, see Troops of Sea Wolves, made like Bears, and then they are continually sounding. This Cape serves for bounds to the East and West-India-Companies: As they go to the East-Indies, and return from thence, they must of necessity come in ken of it. The Land enjovs a temperate Air; several Valleys have Herbs and Flowers in abundance. There are Rivers full of Fish, and Woods full of Deer and Cattel. The Inhabitants, who make their Garments of Beasts-skins, are very good at running, but very villanous in their Diet, and when they speak, you'd think you heard Turkey-Cocks.

1691. A most compleat compendium of geography by Laurence Echard.

Cafferia, or the Land of Libertines, contains the most Southern parts of all Africa, almost incircling Monomotapa. It extends from Zanguebar to Congo along the Coasts about 3600 miles; the breadth in the widest place not above 400 miles, in some places not above 130. It is part of old Aethiopia Inferior.

The Caffers have not the least sign of Religion or Worship, living without both Law and Government. Their Language such as no man could ever understand but themselves, being so inarticulate, it resembles the Clucking of Hens and Gabling of Turkies. They have no Town, so nothing is here remarkable but the Cape of Good Hope, being the most Southern Point in all Africa.

Under the name of Cafferia, in the extent before mentioned, are included, besides Cafferia it self, the Kingdoms of,

1. Quietera, ch. T. Mongalo.
2. Sofala, ch. T. Sofala.
3. Sodanda, ch. T. Bocra.
4. Chicanga, ch. T. Milan.

These lie on the E. of Monomotapa. There are two others on the W. as,

1. Malemba, ch. T. Debzan; and,
2. Mataman.

These are most of them Tributaries to the Emperour of Monomotapa. Ch. T. of the whole is Sofala.

Rivers of chief note are three, viz.

1. Zembre,
2. Riode Spirito Sancto, and,
3. Los Infantos.

Principal Mountain is that called Mount Table at the Cape of Good Hope.

1693. A geographical dictionary representing the present and ancient names by Edmund Bohun.

Caffreria, a Country of Africa of large extent. It lies from the Kingdom of Angola on the North to the Cape of Good Hope, and is bounded East, West, and South with the Ocean; the South-Eastern part is very fruitful, and well peopled; the rest barren, Mountainous, and little peopled. The Inhabitants are so barbarous, that they are called by this Name from their rude way of living, which signifies the Lawless People; they were all heretofore Man-eaters, and many of them continue such to this day. They call themselves Hottentots. Mr. Herbert an English Man, who was in these Parts, will scarce allow them to be perfect Men; and saith they sell Man's Flesh in the Shambles. They acknowledg a Soveraign Being under the Name of Humma, which they adore when he sends good Weather: But in cold and rainy, or very hot Seasons, they change their Praises of him, into Complaints against him.