Hi, I am afraid this is an oddball request but I am an academic who works on Bushmen material. I would really love to ask any of you who have killed Eland if you have ever noticed anything special about the animals as they die which might help me understand Bushman ideas.
Some Bushmen report that the eland:
1. cries as it is dying
2. looks to the sunset
3. a snake lives in its forehead hair and runs away when the animal falls - ( do eland bulls often have twigs or vegetation stuck on their heads? )
Any ideas?
Some academics say when eland die they bleed from the nostrils, froth at the mouth and their hair stands up - is this true? Is this special?
Also, do eland smell particularly strong? Especially dead ones. The Bushmen say 'potency' is released as they die. I think this is to do with smell.
If any of you could help me with this I would be extremely grateful
Cheers
Hector, Have to give you browny points for Creative research methods.
You asked for opinion, here are a few.
I have taken an Eland Bull with a rifle and I am not certain that it would be comparable to a Bull hunted in the traditional San way, beyond the fact that an animal is killed. (The bull did extend his neck, he did vocalize and yes they have a strong odour. Not sure if it was released or that is just an Eland Bull. )
The current hunting methods used are obviously quite different, firearms and modern archery equipment both kill the animal by massive hemorrhage. As you already know, the San used Poison (diamphidia toxin) that was introduced into the blood stream by a small arrow.
Totally different methods of death.
The San method is also a very intimate method of hunting. They had to get very very close to use their bows and then they had to track the animals for long distances and even in the last moments of death they waited beside the animal. My guess is this is the likely point when all these observations were being made and stories started.
Could the
neck extend during the final death process? Certainly. (Looking into the Sunset)
Twisting of neck muscles in the neck are a common symptom of poisoning.
Frothing, bleeding? I am not certain of the particular metabolic process of their poison, but poisons certainly do cause salivation/frothing, panting and can cause hemorrhage. Over a long period of time that this poison takes effect, these could certainly take place.
Could the tear ducts either contract or release upon death to
cry, certainly. The more likely "cry" that would be involved given the San reverence for Eland. (my understanding, beyond the fact that they LOVE these big fat animals)
Most mammals will/may appear to have a "vocal cry" (death bellow described in Buffalo) with the release of air from the lungs in the final stage of death with or without sound. (Spirit releasing)
Also not the most pleasant smell from being up close and personal on other animals.
Most male animals rub their horns or antlers on bushes.
Could sticks get lodged in an old bulls forehead hair? Certainly.
Could they dislodge when he finally falls? Certainly.
Could neck or back hair stand up with nervous response to death? Certainly. Springbok are the most dramatic example of this.
My guesses and opinions for what they are worth.
Good luck with your research.
