nihilo
BESPOKE SPIRITS
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
What does the name “nihilo” mean?
The term nihilo is derived from the Latin vocabulary “ex-nihilo” which translates as “creating something out of nothing”. We are proud to be a part and force of the new, future thinking, and boldly creative energy emerging from our Afrikan continent.
Afro-futurism
A movement in literature, music, art, etc., featuring futuristic or science fiction themes which incorporate elements of black history and culture.
(source: Definitions from Oxford Languages)
Nguni cattle
Nguni cattle derive their name from the black tribes of Africa, collectively known as the Nguni people. Nguni cattle descend from both Bos taurus and Bos indicus cattle and entered Africa around 8000 years ago.
As the tribes migrated south into Africa they took their cattle along. Through natural selection and environmental interaction the cattle evolved into the hardy breed we know today as the Nguni. As the tribes settled in different areas, distinctive cattle ecotypes developed, but are essentially still Ngunis.
(source: https://www.thecattlesite.com/breeds/beef/93/nguni/)
San
San, also called (pejorative) Bushmen, an indigenous people of southern Africa, related to the Khoekhoe (Khoikhoi). They live chiefly in Botswana, Namibia, and southeastern Angola. Bushmen is an Anglicization of boesman, the Dutch and Afrikaner name for them; saan (plural) or saa (singular) is the Nama word for “bush dweller(s),” and the Nama name is now generally favoured by anthropologists.
(source: https://www.britannica.com/topic/San)
Kalbassie
A “kalbassie” is a goard used for carrying precious and scarce water over long distances in search of their livelihood which consisted of hunting and gathering, and also to serve celebratory libations at their feasts and tribal gatherings.
Libation
Noun.
A pouring out of wine or other liquid in honor of a deity, the liquid poured out. ... an intoxicating beverage, as wine, especially when drunk in ceremonial or celebrative situations. an act or instance of drinking such a beverage.
Umswenko
The term is derived from the the English word “swank” or “swanking” which is a certain type of attitude, behaviour or a way of conducting oneself that shows supreme confidence in oneself. It can also be used to impress others.
Umswenko is now most commonly shown in the dress code because it is believed that what you wear speaks for you too. In recent times the term has been popularised by the Boyznbucks movement.