My day job involves marketing work for community-owned game lodges in Southern Africa's Transfrontier Parks. This morning my desk was covered with crafts made by Bushman/San crafters who work at !Xaus Lodge in the Kgalagadi.
This is a key-ring. It's made from a piece of bone that's been carved by burning pictures and patterns onto the bone. A piece of rawhide is the attachment device.
So I sit here and wonder. Anthropologists tell us that the way we see 'others' is defined by how we see ourselves, and which of our behaviours we are trying to justify. So what am I trying to justify when I laugh at the idea of a craft as ancient as this being used to hold car-keys? Or do I just have a wonky sense of humour?
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...
Lovely photograph. So much work goes into something like this. Yes, it is most certainly something to mull. When one considers that the San people were the true indigenous population of the Western Cape, it is most definitely food for thought.
Time to give up your day job -it may blow the mind! I'm still trying to figure out what you just said :-)
Ps Rietvlei most conducive for a little trip with baby entertainers in tow
E, do I sense yet another dichotomy here? Great shot. I have met up with a Spanish couple who are doing doctoral work on the stories of the San and Koi.
What a work of art. And yes, strange that such an ancient form of art would be made to hold keys. I want one. It's a beauty, and I would not use it as a key chain.
@ladydi Email me at eleanor@tfpd.co.za and I can arrange to send it to you! I don't have them with me but the item will be less than 10USD and then postage and packaging. Happy to arrange!
That Spanish couple that Alisa mentioned told us about markets in Barcelona where they have sambrero stalls because that's what the tourists want. Nevermind they've got their continents confused... :)
I like your question. It is a shame that tourists need novelty and cannot just appreciate the art. But on the other hand it allows locals to have an income and to continue on their centuries of art and tradition.
Ps Rietvlei most conducive for a little trip with baby entertainers in tow