MAQIASHANÁ
Boscia albitrunca is the most wide spread of eight species of the Shepherd's tree to be found in the arid regions of Southern Africa being Namibia, the northern part of the Northern Cape-, North-West- and Limpopo provinces as well as parts of Mpumalanga. The most exquisite specimens evoking a feeling of poise, character and aesthesia are found mainly in the Kalahari region of the Northern Cape, Namibia and Botswana.
This area is also the hinterland of the indigenous Khoisan people. And although a few names for this tree do exist in some of the rich array of African languages, the most descriptive is still the Khoisan name, MAQIASHANÁ (with the "QI"-combination representing their typical click-"t").
Hendrik, a Khoisan man with standing, explained the meaning of maqiashaná as being: "There where we protect our little ones." This is derived from the fact that the dense foliage provides protection, especially for small children against climatic extremes in the open veld such as hailstorms and scorching summer heat with midday temperatures in excess of 40° C (104° F).
Sheep farmers in the area speculate that the English name, Shepherd's tree, was probably derived from the fact that at the heat of the day one always finds sheep and goats closely clustered in the dense shade of this tree. Maybe the pioneer farmers found the meaning of the Khoisan name very applicable and on par with the behavior of their animals. Who knows - perhaps the Khoisan also knew that a maqiashaná was the ideal place to look for game while hunting?
However, the maqiashaná is a living entity with an aura of its own - an almost timeless witness of time. A place for honest thoughts. A place to rest from being man. A Place to sharpen the senses for wisdom from the shelves of open spaces - and beautifull stories!
The Khoisan would say: QI'É - this is the truth!