36. HEITSI EIBIP.
(From a German original Manuscript in Sir G. Grey’s Library, H. C. Knudsen’s “Notes on the Hottentots,” p. 7.)
Heitsi Eibip, or Kabip, was a great and celebrated sorcerer among the Namaqua. He could tell secret things, and prophesy what was to happen afterwards.
Once he was travelling with a great number of people, and an enemy pursued them. On arriving at some water he said, “My grandfather’s father, open thyself that I may pass through, and close thyself afterwards.” So it took place as he had said, and they went safely through. Then their enemies tried to pass through the opening also, but when they were in the midst of it, it closed again upon them, and they perished.[1] [[108]]
Heitsi Kabip died several times, and came to life again. When the Hottentots pass one of his graves they throw a stone on it for good luck.[2]
Heitsi Eibip could take many different forms. Sometimes he appeared handsome, very handsome, or his hair grew long down to his shoulders; at other times it was again short. [[109]]