Autshumato

Autshumato (or Autshumao) was a Khoikhoi leader who worked as an interpreter for the Europeans in present-day South Africa during the time of the establishment of the Dutch settlement on the Cape of Good Hope in 1652. Known as Herry or Harry, he moved to Robben Island in 1632 with a group of people and worked as postman and liaison for European ships passing the island. Moving back to the mainland 8 years later, Autshumato worked to create trade between the Khoi and the Dutch.

In 1658 Jan van Riebeeck ordered that Autshumato be imprisoned on Robben Island. After one and a half years on the island he and his group escaped from the island on a rowboat. One year later Autshumato applied for and received permission to again live and work near the Dutch settlement, resuming his role as an interpreter. He died in 1663.

Krotoa, or Eva, was the niece of Autoshumato.

ee also

*History of Cape Town

External links

* [http://www.robben-island.org.za/departments/heritage/gallery/autshumato.asp Robben Island Museum page]