For all his ancient Bushman ways, Isaak Kruiper knows how to use his natural resources to create business in the 21st centuary. When the tourists arrive he's dressed in traditional clothing, and has his materials laid out on a blanket. The immediate invitation is to sit down on the sand with him, and help string a necklace. He knows that if you've made it, you'll likely buy it.
Where it all differs, though, is in the actual process of the sale. When tourists arrive, the completed crafts are all displayed, hanging off branches of a tree. Nothing has a price, and there is no indication of who made the item. The crafters continue their activities as if unaware of their customers. It's up to the customer to approach them and ask the price. Their philosophy is to price based on what they want, and hope not to have to bargain, which does not sit comfortably with them. If your want to buy something you put the money down next to the crafter. I never saw one of them take the money directly out of someone's hands.
For me the thing of wonder is the way they sit. This is a classic position and can be maintained for hours at a time.
Originally started the project to improve my photography skills. Over a 2500 photos later it's become a personal diary. I post pictures that mark my...
@Glynnis. Not at all, although I did ask permission. There is a difference at !Xaus Lodge though, in that the people who work at the craft village understand that their presence is part of what attracts tourists to the lodge and those tourists create an income for their community. So they accept that they are, in some way "on show". There is nothing choreographed; no defined way in which they must dress or interact. They have just learned what creates willing buyers of their goods.
That's another wonderful description of your visit with this man! His sitting position is hard to imagine...especially for long periods of time! That said, it really makes for an interesting picture!
I find the homogenisation of our world really sad- tribes that were nomadic being 'encouraged' to adopt pastural farming lifestyles, the introduction of the need for money and other 'Western/European' material goods etc. From your previous description the Bushmen have the same inherent need to 'go walkabout' as the Australian Aboriginies which is a bit like my 'itchy feet' :) Interesting that they do not like to bargain something that is expected in Asian cultures even at a business level ie getting a loan from the bank. I find the Asian need to bargain and their avoidence of confrontation an interesting dichotomy...but I digress :) Another fab shot of Isaak with his hat of many skins!
August 31st, 2010
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