In 1921, Swaziland was a country ruled by King Buno. What did King Buno prefer over gold?
- Diamonds
- Gin
- Silver
- Jewels
Correct Answer: Gin
Correct Answer Explanation: King Buno was known for his love of gin, and he preferred it to gold.
The Boers often paid tribute to King Buno to ensure his favor and peace. What was the typical currency used for this tribute?
- Cattle
- Women
- Gold
- All of the above
Correct Answer: All of the above
Correct Answer Explanation: The Boers used all of these as currency in their dealings with King Buno. Women and cattle were traditional Swazi currency, and gold was often used as a valuable supplement.
In Swazi society, who had the power to decide the ownership of cattle when disputes arose?
- Indunas
- The Queen Mother
- Witch-doctors
- The King
Correct Answer: Witch-doctors
Correct Answer Explanation: Witch-doctors in Swazi society were responsible for resolving disputes, including those over cattle, through a “Poison Test” – a dangerous ritual that involved drinking a potent potion.
During the “flu” epidemic of 1918, how did the disease arrive in Swaziland?
- By a group of travelers from South Africa
- Through contact with infected cattle
- On a ship carrying Javanese laborers
- It originated locally in Swaziland
Correct Answer: On a ship carrying Javanese laborers
Correct Answer Explanation: The “flu” epidemic of 1918, which devastated Swaziland, was introduced through a ship carrying Javanese laborers.
What was the name of the “Valley of Reeds” where the O’Neil family settled?
- Rietvlei
- Pongola
- Mbabane
- Steynsdorp
Correct Answer: Rietvlei
Correct Answer Explanation: The O’Neil family settled in the “Valley of Reeds,” known as Rietvlei, located in the Transvaal region of South Africa, renowned for its fertile land.
The Boers were known for their reliance on self-sufficiency. What was their common method of food preservation?
- Canning
- Salting
- Smoking
- Drying
Correct Answer: Drying
Correct Answer Explanation: The Boers, known for their self-reliance, relied heavily on drying meat to preserve it. This method, known as “biltong,” ensured they could store food for long periods.
Owen Rowe O’Neil’s father, Slim Gert, was a prominent figure in Boer politics. What role did he hold?
- Minister of Finance
- President of the Transvaal Republic
- Commander-in-Chief of the Boer Army
- Chief negotiator with the British
Correct Answer: Minister of Finance
Correct Answer Explanation: Slim Gert, Owen Rowe O’Neil’s father, served as the Minister of Finance in the cabinet of Oom Paul Kruger.
O’Neil’s uncle, Oom Tuys Grobler, regularly paid tribute to King Buno. What was the typical monthly tribute?
- £2,000 in gold, gin, and champagne
- 100 head of cattle and 10 women
- A selection of fine horses and weapons
- A large quantity of salt and dried meat
Correct Answer: £2,000 in gold, gin, and champagne
Correct Answer Explanation: Oom Tuys Grobler, O’Neil’s uncle, paid a hefty monthly tribute to King Buno, comprising £2,000 in gold, along with generous amounts of gin and champagne.
The Swazis are known for their unique traditions. What specific aspect of their culture did they consider a religious obligation?
- Maintaining a clean home and yard
- Respecting the elderly and ancestors
- The practice of polygamy
- Care of their teeth
Correct Answer: Care of their teeth
Correct Answer Explanation: Despite having no fixed religious observances, the Swazis placed great importance on dental hygiene, considering it a religious obligation.
Scarification was a common practice among the Swazis. What did the scar markings typically signify?
- Status, lineage, and achievements
- Family relationships and tribal affiliation
- Religious beliefs and spiritual connections
- Age and maturity
Correct Answer: Status, lineage, and achievements
Correct Answer Explanation: Scarification, a form of body modification, served as a visual indicator of status, lineage, and achievements, particularly in warfare.
What was the name of the powerful evil spirit that the Swazis believed controlled the weather?
- Nguni
- The Great Spirit
- The Rain-maker
- The Snake God
Correct Answer: The Rain-maker
Correct Answer Explanation: The Swazis believed in a powerful evil spirit who controlled the weather, referred to as “The Rain-maker.”
Who was the Swazi queen known as the “power behind the throne”?
- Queen Labotsibeni
- Queen Ntombi
- Queen Tsandane
- Queen Nkosazana
Correct Answer: Queen Labotsibeni
Correct Answer Explanation: Queen Labotsibeni, King Buno’s mother, wielded considerable influence over her son and was widely considered the true power behind the throne.
The Swazis valued women as currency. What was the primary factor determining their value?
- Their age and health
- Their skills in domestic work
- Their beauty and lineage
- Their religious devotion
Correct Answer: Their beauty and lineage
Correct Answer Explanation: Women in Swazi society were valued as currency, and their worth was primarily determined by their lineage and attractiveness.
The Boers, seeking independence from British rule, initiated the Great Trek in the 1830s. What was their primary motivation for this mass migration?
- Religious freedom
- Economic opportunities
- Political autonomy
- All of the above
Correct Answer: All of the above
Correct Answer Explanation: The Boers, seeking to escape British rule, initiated the Great Trek, driven by a combination of factors, including religious freedom, economic opportunities, and political autonomy.
O’Neil’s story of his first trousers illustrates the challenges faced by white children in Swaziland. What was the primary issue he faced?
- Social ostracism from other white children
- The language barrier with the Swazi people
- The lack of clothing available in Swaziland
- The constant threat of violence from Black Africans
Correct Answer: The constant threat of violence from Black Africans
Correct Answer Explanation: O’Neil’s story highlights the precariousness of being a white child growing up in a predominantly Black African environment. His experience with the fight over his trousers illustrates the fear of violence from local Africans.
What was the traditional weapon used by the Swazi warriors?
- Assagai
- Knobkerrie
- Bow and Arrow
- Shotgun
Correct Answer: Assagai
Correct Answer Explanation: The Swazis, known for their warrior culture, primarily used the assagai, a short stabbing spear, as their weapon of choice.
What was the name of the Swazi leader known as “The Lion,” who fought against the Boers?
- Maleuw
- Jafta
- Nkosazana
- Mzilikazi
Correct Answer: Maleuw
Correct Answer Explanation: Maleuw, King of the Makateese tribe, was a formidable leader who engaged in fierce battles against the Boers.
During the Boer War (1899-1902), the Boers claimed an impressive kill ratio. How many Englishmen did they claim to kill for every Boer killed in battle?
- Five
- Two
- Ten
- One
Correct Answer: Five
Correct Answer Explanation: During the Boer War, the Boers claimed a significant kill ratio, claiming they killed five Englishmen for every Boer lost in battle.
The Boers formed defensive formations during battles. What was the name of this tactical arrangement?
- Laager
- Impi
- Commando
- Fort
Correct Answer: Laager
Correct Answer Explanation: The Boers would strategically arrange their wagons in a hollow square, forming a protective laager, to defend themselves against attacks.
The O’Neil family homestead at Rietvlei was a vast expanse of land. How many acres did it encompass?
- Over 100,000
- About 50,000
- Over 200,000
- About 10,000
Correct Answer: Over 100,000
Correct Answer Explanation: The O’Neil homestead, located at Rietvlei, covered an extensive area, exceeding 100,000 acres of fertile land.
The Swazis practiced a traditional form of medicine. What was the name for this medicinal system?
- Muti
- Ayurveda
- Homeopathy
- Naturopathy
Correct Answer: Muti
Correct Answer Explanation: The Swazis, like many indigenous cultures, relied on traditional medicine, known as “muti,” for healing and spiritual purposes.
King Buno had a large number of wives. How many did he have?
- 26
- 12
- 45
- 10
Correct Answer: 26
Correct Answer Explanation: King Buno, known for his extravagant lifestyle, had 26 wives, reflecting the Swazi tradition of polygamy.
What was the name of the Swazi beer that was commonly consumed?
- Tswala
- Umqombothi
- Mageu
- Mahewu
Correct Answer: Tswala
Correct Answer Explanation: Tswala, a traditional fermented beverage, was commonly consumed by the Swazi people.
What was the name of the brother of King Buno who had over 60 wives and 240 children?
- Umzulek
- Mthunzi
- Sipho
- Zweli
Correct Answer: Umzulek
Correct Answer Explanation: King Buno’s brother, Umzulek, was known for his large family, boasting over 60 wives and over 240 children.
How many head of cattle were estimated to be owned by the Swazis in 1921?
- Over 300,000
- Over 100,000
- Over 50,000
- Over 200,000
Correct Answer: Over 300,000
Correct Answer Explanation: The Swazi population in 1921 was estimated to be over 300,000, and they owned more than 300,000 head of cattle, reflecting their agrarian culture.
Who was the Boer leader who offered to buy Delagoa Bay for £20,000?
- Oom Paul Kruger
- Piet Retief
- Louis Botha
- Jan Smuts
Correct Answer: Oom Paul Kruger
Correct Answer Explanation: Oom Paul Kruger, the President of the Transvaal Republic, offered to purchase Delagoa Bay for £20,000, a significant amount in that era.
During a shooting contest with Swazi warriors, how many shots did King Buno miss?
- Three
- One
- Five
- Two
Correct Answer: Three
Correct Answer Explanation: In a shooting contest with Swazi warriors, King Buno, renowned for his shooting skills, missed only three shots out of twenty, demonstrating his prowess.
How long did Queen Labotsibeni live?
- Over 100 years
- Over 80 years
- Over 90 years
- Over 70 years
Correct Answer: Over 100 years
Correct Answer Explanation: Queen Labotsibeni, a formidable figure in Swazi politics, lived an exceptionally long life, exceeding one hundred years.
The Boers and the Swazis often clashed. What was the primary cause of their conflicts?
- Disputes over land and resources
- Religious differences
- Racial tensions
- All of the above
Correct Answer: All of the above
Correct Answer Explanation: The Boers and the Swazis often clashed due to a complex interplay of factors, including disputes over land and resources, religious differences, and racial tensions.
The Boers, in their struggle for independence, fought against various indigenous tribes. Which tribe, known for its fierce warriors, was led by Dingaanzulu?
- The Zulus
- The Swazis
- The Basutus
- The Xhosa
Correct Answer: The Zulus
Correct Answer Explanation: The Zulus, under the leadership of Dingaanzulu, were known for their fierce warrior culture and clashed with the Boers during the Great Trek.
The massacre of Piet Retief and his men by the Zulus is a significant event in Boer history. What was the name of the day that commemorates this tragedy?
- Dingaan Day
- Retief Day
- Zulu Day
- Boer Day
Correct Answer: Dingaan Day
Correct Answer Explanation: Dingaan Day, an annual commemoration, remembers the massacre of Piet Retief and his followers by the Zulus, a pivotal moment in Boer history.
What was the name of the missionary group that played a crucial role in escalating tensions between the Boers and the British?
- The London Missionary Society
- The Methodist Mission
- The Dutch Reformed Church
- The Church of England
Correct Answer: The London Missionary Society
Correct Answer Explanation: The London Missionary Society, through their work with indigenous tribes, contributed to the growing tensions between the Boers and the British, ultimately leading to the Great Trek.
In Swazi society, what was the name for the high-ranking chiefs or leaders?
- Indunas
- Kings
- Queens
- Elders
Correct Answer: Indunas
Correct Answer Explanation: Indunas held high positions of authority in Swazi society, serving as chiefs or leaders within their respective areas.
The Boers established various independent republics in Southern Africa. What were the names of these republics?
- The Transvaal Republic and the Orange Free State
- The Natal Republic and the Cape Colony
- The Lesotho Republic and the Bechuanaland Republic
- The Rhodesia Republic and the Zimbabwe Republic
Correct Answer: The Transvaal Republic and the Orange Free State
Correct Answer Explanation: The Boers established two independent republics in Southern Africa: the Transvaal Republic and the Orange Free State.
O’Neil’s story of the “blaau app” (blue monkey) provides a humorous glimpse into his relationship with animals. What did the blue monkey steal from the farmer’s wife?
- A loaf of bread
- A pair of shoes
- A chicken
- A bag of sugar
Correct Answer: A chicken
Correct Answer Explanation: The “blaau app,” a blue monkey, was known for its mischief and stole a chicken from the farmer’s wife, providing O’Neil with a humorous anecdote.
What was the name of the accountant who lived in Mbabane and had a large nose?
- Matt
- John
- Thomas
- William
Correct Answer: Matt
Correct Answer Explanation: The author mentions an accountant named “Matt” who lived in Mbabane, the capital of Swaziland, known for his prominent nose.
O’Neil’s story of the stolen chickens involved the Royal Commissioner and Mrs. Dickson. What was the comical aspect of this incident?
- The Royal Commissioner lost his temper over the missing chickens
- Mrs. Dickson was suspected of stealing the chickens
- The chickens were found hiding in the Royal Commissioner’s house
- The chickens belonged to the Queen Mother
Correct Answer: The chickens were found hiding in the Royal Commissioner’s house
Correct Answer Explanation: The humor in the stolen chicken story lies in the unexpected discovery of the chickens hiding in the Royal Commissioner’s house, creating a comical situation.
O’Neil’s experiences as a physician highlight the challenges faced by medical practitioners in Swaziland. What was the most significant obstacle he faced?
- Lack of modern medical equipment
- Limited access to trained medical staff
- The prevalence of traditional medicine
- The spread of infectious diseases
Correct Answer: The spread of infectious diseases
Correct Answer Explanation: O’Neil’s experiences as a physician highlight the challenges of treating patients in a pre-modern setting, particularly the spread of infectious diseases, such as the “flu” epidemic of 1918.
In O’Neil’s attempt to secure Sebuza’s coronation as king, what unusual tactic did he employ to force Queen Labotsibeni to abdicate?
- He staged a fake war
- He threatened to withhold financial support
- He forged a letter from the British government
- He appealed to the Swazi elders for support
Correct Answer: He staged a fake war
Correct Answer Explanation: To manipulate the Swazi political landscape, O’Neil devised a clever plan to stage a fake war, forcing Queen Labotsibeni to abdicate and allow Sebuza to become king.
What was the name of the large regiment of warriors used by the Zulus and the Swazis?
- Impi
- Commando
- Laager
- Induna
Correct Answer: Impi
Correct Answer Explanation: The impi was a large regiment of warriors, a key element of the military organization of both the Zulus and the Swazis.
What was the name of the derogatory term used to refer to Black Africans in Southern Africa?
- Kaffir
- Native
- African
- Black
Correct Answer: Kaffir
Correct Answer Explanation: “Kaffir” was a derogatory term used to refer to Black Africans, particularly in Southern Africa.
What was the name of the short club or cudgel used as a weapon by the Swazis?
- Knobkerrie
- Assagai
- Sjambok
- Spear
Correct Answer: Knobkerrie
Correct Answer Explanation: The knobkerrie, a short club or cudgel, was a common weapon used by the Swazis, alongside their spears and assegais.
The Boers fought against the British in two major wars. What were the names of these wars?
- The First Boer War and the Second Boer War
- The Zulu War and the Anglo-Boer War
- The South African War and the British-Boer War
- The Boer War and the Great Trek War
Correct Answer: The First Boer War and the Second Boer War
Correct Answer Explanation: The Boers clashed with the British in two major wars known as the First Boer War (1880-1881) and the Second Boer War (1899-1902).
What was the name of the traditional medicine or magic practiced by the Swazis?
- Muti
- Voodoo
- Witchcraft
- Shamanism
Correct Answer: Muti
Correct Answer Explanation: “Muti,” a term for traditional medicine and magic, was deeply ingrained in Swazi society, encompassing practices of healing, spiritual guidance, and rituals.