!Kung!Kung

Myth & Religion DefinitionsMyth & Religion Definitions!Kung Ritual and Healing!Kung Ritual and Healing

!Kung Art!Kung ArtFuture of the !KungFuture of the !Kung

Myth and Religion DefinitionsMyth and Religion Definitions

Religion is defined, following Wallace, Religion is defined, following Wallace, as belief and ritual concerned with as belief and ritual concerned with supernatural beings, powers, and supernatural beings, powers, and forces.forces.

So defined, religion is a cultural So defined, religion is a cultural universal.universal.

Kinds of ReligionKinds of Religion Religious forms vary from culture to culture but Religious forms vary from culture to culture but

there are correlations between political organization there are correlations between political organization and religious type.and religious type.

Religious Practitioners and TypesReligious Practitioners and Types• Wallace defined religion as consisting of all a society’s cult Wallace defined religion as consisting of all a society’s cult

institutions (rituals and associated beliefs), and developed institutions (rituals and associated beliefs), and developed four categories from this:four categories from this:

Shamanic religions shamans are part-time religious Shamanic religions shamans are part-time religious intermediaries who may act as curers--these religions are most intermediaries who may act as curers--these religions are most characteristic of foragers.characteristic of foragers.

Communal religions have shamans, community rituals, multiple Communal religions have shamans, community rituals, multiple nature gods, and are more characteristic of food producers nature gods, and are more characteristic of food producers than foragers.than foragers.

Olympian religions first appeared with states, have full-time Olympian religions first appeared with states, have full-time religious specialists whose organization may mimic the states, religious specialists whose organization may mimic the states, have potent anthropomorphic gods who may exist as a have potent anthropomorphic gods who may exist as a pantheon.pantheon.

Monotheistic religions have all the attributes of Olympian Monotheistic religions have all the attributes of Olympian religions, except that the pantheon of gods is subsumed under religions, except that the pantheon of gods is subsumed under a single eternal, omniscient, omnipotent, and omnipresent a single eternal, omniscient, omnipotent, and omnipresent being.being.

Origins, Functions, and Expressions of Origins, Functions, and Expressions of ReligionReligion

Neanderthal mortuary remains provide the earliest Neanderthal mortuary remains provide the earliest evidence of what probably was religious activity.evidence of what probably was religious activity.

AnimismAnimism• Tylor first studied religion anthropologically, and developed a Tylor first studied religion anthropologically, and developed a

taxonomy of religions.taxonomy of religions.• Animism was seen as the most primitive, and is defined as a Animism was seen as the most primitive, and is defined as a

belief in souls that derives from the first attempt to explain belief in souls that derives from the first attempt to explain dreams and like phenomena.dreams and like phenomena.

Mana and TabooMana and Taboo• Mana is defined as belief in an immanent supernatural domain Mana is defined as belief in an immanent supernatural domain

or life-force, potentially subject to human manipulation.or life-force, potentially subject to human manipulation.• The Polynesian and Melanesian concepts of mana are The Polynesian and Melanesian concepts of mana are

contrasted.contrasted. Melanesian mana is defined as a sacred impersonal force that is Melanesian mana is defined as a sacred impersonal force that is

much like the Western concept of luck.much like the Western concept of luck. Polynesian mana and the related concept of taboo are related to Polynesian mana and the related concept of taboo are related to

the more hierarchical nature of Polynesian society.the more hierarchical nature of Polynesian society.

Magic and ReligionMagic and Religion

Magic refers to supernatural techniques Magic refers to supernatural techniques intended to accomplish specific aims.intended to accomplish specific aims.

Magic may be Magic may be imitativeimitative (as with voodoo (as with voodoo dolls) or contagious (accomplished dolls) or contagious (accomplished through contact).through contact).

Anxiety, Control, SolaceAnxiety, Control, Solace• Magic is an instrument of control, but religion Magic is an instrument of control, but religion

serves to provide stability when no control or serves to provide stability when no control or understanding is possible.understanding is possible.

• Malinowski saw tribal religions as being Malinowski saw tribal religions as being focused on life crises.focused on life crises.

Rituals & Rites of Passage Rituals & Rites of Passage

RitualsRituals• Rituals are formal, performed in sacred Rituals are formal, performed in sacred

contexts.contexts.• Rituals convey information about the culture of Rituals convey information about the culture of

the participants and, hence, the participants the participants and, hence, the participants themselves.themselves.

• Rituals are inherently social, and participation Rituals are inherently social, and participation in them necessarily implies social commitment.in them necessarily implies social commitment.

Rites of PassageRites of Passage• Rites of passage are religious rituals which Rites of passage are religious rituals which

mark and facilitate a persons movement from mark and facilitate a persons movement from one (social) state of being to another (e.g. one (social) state of being to another (e.g. Plains Indians’ vision quests).Plains Indians’ vision quests).

Rites of passage have three phases: Rites of passage have three phases:

Separation – the participant(s) withdraws from Separation – the participant(s) withdraws from the group and begin moving from one place to the group and begin moving from one place to another.another.

Liminality – the period between states, during Liminality – the period between states, during which the participant(s) has left one place but has which the participant(s) has left one place but has not yet, entered the next. not yet, entered the next. • Liminality is part of every rite of passage, and involves Liminality is part of every rite of passage, and involves

the temporary suspension and even reversal of the temporary suspension and even reversal of everyday social distinctions.everyday social distinctions.

Incorporation – the participant(s) reenters society Incorporation – the participant(s) reenters society with a new status having completed the rite.with a new status having completed the rite.

Communitas refers to collective liminality, Communitas refers to collective liminality, characterized by enhanced feelings of social characterized by enhanced feelings of social solidarity and minimized distinctions.solidarity and minimized distinctions.

TotemismTotemism Rituals play an important role in creating and Rituals play an important role in creating and

maintaining group solidarity.maintaining group solidarity. In totemic societies, each descent group has an In totemic societies, each descent group has an

animal, plant, of geographical feature from which animal, plant, of geographical feature from which they claim descent.they claim descent.• Totems are the apical ancestors of clans.Totems are the apical ancestors of clans.• The members of a clan did not kill or eat their totem, The members of a clan did not kill or eat their totem,

except once a year when the members of the clan except once a year when the members of the clan gathered for ceremonies dedicated to the totem.gathered for ceremonies dedicated to the totem.

Totemism is a religion in which elements of nature Totemism is a religion in which elements of nature act as sacred templates for society by means of act as sacred templates for society by means of symbolic association.symbolic association.• Totemism uses nature as a model for society.Totemism uses nature as a model for society.

Each descent group has a totem, which occupies a specific Each descent group has a totem, which occupies a specific niche in nature. niche in nature.

Social differences mirror the natural order of the Social differences mirror the natural order of the environment.environment.

The unity of the human social order is enhanced by symbolic The unity of the human social order is enhanced by symbolic association with and imitation of the natural order.association with and imitation of the natural order.

Religion and Cultural EcologyReligion and Cultural Ecology Sacred Cattle in IndiaSacred Cattle in India

• AhimsaAhimsa is the Hindu doctrine of nonviolence that forbids is the Hindu doctrine of nonviolence that forbids the killing of animals.the killing of animals.

• Western economic development experts often use this Western economic development experts often use this principle as an example of how religion can stand in the principle as an example of how religion can stand in the way of development.way of development.

Hindus seem to irrationally ignore a valuable food source Hindus seem to irrationally ignore a valuable food source (beef).(beef).

Hindus also raise scraggly and thin cows, unlike the bigger Hindus also raise scraggly and thin cows, unlike the bigger cattle of Europe and the U.S.cattle of Europe and the U.S.

These views are ethnocentric and wrong as cattle These views are ethnocentric and wrong as cattle play an important adaptive role in an Indian play an important adaptive role in an Indian ecosystem that has evolved over thousands of ecosystem that has evolved over thousands of yearsyears• Hindus use cattle for transportation, traction, and Hindus use cattle for transportation, traction, and

manure.manure.• Bigger cattle eat more, making them more expensive to Bigger cattle eat more, making them more expensive to

keep.keep.

Social ControlSocial Control The power of religion affects action.The power of religion affects action. Religion can be used to mobilize large segments Religion can be used to mobilize large segments

of society through systems of real and perceived of society through systems of real and perceived rewards and punishments.rewards and punishments.

Witch hunts play an important role in limiting Witch hunts play an important role in limiting social deviancy in addition to functioning as social deviancy in addition to functioning as leveling mechanisms to reduce differences in leveling mechanisms to reduce differences in wealth and status between members of society.wealth and status between members of society.

Many religions have a formal code of ethics that Many religions have a formal code of ethics that prohibit certain behavior while promoting other prohibit certain behavior while promoting other kinds of behavior.kinds of behavior.

Religions also maintain social control by stressing Religions also maintain social control by stressing the fleeting nature of life.the fleeting nature of life.

Religion and ChangeReligion and Change Revitalization MovementsRevitalization Movements

• Religious movements that act as mediums for social Religious movements that act as mediums for social change are called revitalization movements.change are called revitalization movements.

• The colonial-era Iroquois reformation led by Handsome The colonial-era Iroquois reformation led by Handsome Lake is an example of a revitalization movement.Lake is an example of a revitalization movement.

SyncretismsSyncretisms• A syncretism is a cultural mix, including religious blends A syncretism is a cultural mix, including religious blends

that emerge when two or more cultural traditions come that emerge when two or more cultural traditions come into contact.into contact.

Examples include voodoo, santeria, and candomlé.Examples include voodoo, santeria, and candomlé.• The cargo cults of Melanesia and Papua New Guinea are The cargo cults of Melanesia and Papua New Guinea are

syncretism of Christian doctrine with aboriginal beliefs.syncretism of Christian doctrine with aboriginal beliefs.• Syncretisms often emerge when traditional, non-Syncretisms often emerge when traditional, non-

Western societies have regular contact with Western societies have regular contact with industrialized societies.industrialized societies.

Secular Rituals Secular Rituals A Pilgrimage to Walt Disney WorldA Pilgrimage to Walt Disney World Walt Disney World functions much like a sacred shrine, which is a Walt Disney World functions much like a sacred shrine, which is a

major pilgrimage destinationmajor pilgrimage destination• It has an inner, sacred center surrounded by an outer more secular It has an inner, sacred center surrounded by an outer more secular

domain.domain.• Parking lot designations are distinguished with totemlike images of Parking lot designations are distinguished with totemlike images of

the Disney cast of characters.the Disney cast of characters.• The monorail provides travelers with a brief liminal period as they The monorail provides travelers with a brief liminal period as they

cross between the outer, secular world into the inner, sacred center cross between the outer, secular world into the inner, sacred center of the Magic Kingdom.of the Magic Kingdom.

Within the Magic KingdomWithin the Magic Kingdom• Spending time in the Magic Kingdom reaffirms, maintains, and Spending time in the Magic Kingdom reaffirms, maintains, and

solidifies the world of Disney as all of the pilgrims share a common solidifies the world of Disney as all of the pilgrims share a common status as visitors while experience the same adventures.status as visitors while experience the same adventures.

• Most of the structures and attractions at the Magic Kingdom are Most of the structures and attractions at the Magic Kingdom are designed to reaffirm and recall a traditional set of American values.designed to reaffirm and recall a traditional set of American values.

Recognizing ReligionRecognizing Religion• It is difficult to distinguish between sacred and secular rituals as It is difficult to distinguish between sacred and secular rituals as

behavior can simultaneously have sacred and secular aspects.behavior can simultaneously have sacred and secular aspects.• Americans try to maintain a strict division between the sacred and Americans try to maintain a strict division between the sacred and

the profane, but many other societies like the Betsileo do not.the profane, but many other societies like the Betsileo do not.

African Bushmen Creation African Bushmen Creation MythMyth

People did not always live on the surface of People did not always live on the surface of the earth. At one time people and animals the earth. At one time people and animals lived underneath the earth with Kaang lived underneath the earth with Kaang (Käng), the Great Master and Lord of All (Käng), the Great Master and Lord of All Life. Life.

In this place people and animals lived In this place people and animals lived together peacefully. They understood each together peacefully. They understood each other. No one ever wanted for anything other. No one ever wanted for anything and it was always light even though there and it was always light even though there wasn't any sun. During this time of bliss wasn't any sun. During this time of bliss Kaang began to plan the wonders he would Kaang began to plan the wonders he would put in the world above. put in the world above.

First Kaang created a wondrous tree, with First Kaang created a wondrous tree, with branches stretching over the entire country. At branches stretching over the entire country. At the base of the tree he dug a hole that reached the base of the tree he dug a hole that reached all the way down into the world where the people all the way down into the world where the people and animals lived. and animals lived.

After he had finished furnishing the world as he After he had finished furnishing the world as he pleased he led the first man up the hole. He sat pleased he led the first man up the hole. He sat down on the edge of the hole and soon the first down on the edge of the hole and soon the first woman came up out of it. Soon all the people woman came up out of it. Soon all the people were gathered at the foot of the tree, awed by were gathered at the foot of the tree, awed by the world they had just entered. the world they had just entered.

Next, Kaang began helping the animals climb out Next, Kaang began helping the animals climb out of the hole. In their eagerness some of the of the hole. In their eagerness some of the animals found a way to climb up through the animals found a way to climb up through the tree's roots and come out of the branches. They tree's roots and come out of the branches. They continued racing out of the world beneath until all continued racing out of the world beneath until all of the animals were out.of the animals were out.

Kaang gathered all the people and animals about Kaang gathered all the people and animals about him. He instructed them to live together him. He instructed them to live together peacefully. Then he turned to the men and peacefully. Then he turned to the men and women and warned them not to build any fires or women and warned them not to build any fires or a great evil would befall them. They gave their a great evil would befall them. They gave their word and Kaang left to where he could watch his word and Kaang left to where he could watch his world secretly. world secretly.

As evening approached the sun began to sink As evening approached the sun began to sink beneath the horizon. The people and animals beneath the horizon. The people and animals stood watching this phenomenon, but when the stood watching this phenomenon, but when the sun disappeared fear entered the hearts of the sun disappeared fear entered the hearts of the people. They could no longer see each other as people. They could no longer see each other as they lacked the eyes of the animals which were they lacked the eyes of the animals which were capable of seeing in the dark. They lacked the capable of seeing in the dark. They lacked the warm fur of the animals also and soon grew cold.warm fur of the animals also and soon grew cold.

In desperation one man suggested that they build In desperation one man suggested that they build a fire to keep warm. Forgetting Kaang's warning a fire to keep warm. Forgetting Kaang's warning they disobeyed him. They soon grew warm and they disobeyed him. They soon grew warm and were once again able to see each other. were once again able to see each other.

However the fire frightened the animals. They However the fire frightened the animals. They fled to the caves and mountains and ever since fled to the caves and mountains and ever since the people broke Kaang's command people have the people broke Kaang's command people have not been able to communicate with animals. Now not been able to communicate with animals. Now fear has replaced the seat friendship once held fear has replaced the seat friendship once held between the two groups. between the two groups.

The Bushmen of Africa believe that not only are The Bushmen of Africa believe that not only are plants and animals alive, but also rain, thunder, plants and animals alive, but also rain, thunder, the wind, spring, etc. They claim: the wind, spring, etc. They claim:

What we see is only the outside form or body. What we see is only the outside form or body. Inside is a living spirit that we cannot see. These Inside is a living spirit that we cannot see. These spirits can fly out of one body into another. For spirits can fly out of one body into another. For example, a woman's spirit might sometime fly example, a woman's spirit might sometime fly into a leopard; or a man's spirit fly into a lion's into a leopard; or a man's spirit fly into a lion's body. body.

Religious BeliefsReligious Beliefs

High God High God • Kaang (Käng)Kaang (Käng)• Sometimes depicted as an elephant.Sometimes depicted as an elephant.

Lesser GodLesser God• Trickster God (Praying Mantis)Trickster God (Praying Mantis)

Animal SpiritsAnimal Spirits• Luck and MisfortuneLuck and Misfortune• Success and FailureSuccess and Failure

TrancingTrancing Summoning the forces of life, a man or Summoning the forces of life, a man or

woman dances in a circle of clapping, woman dances in a circle of clapping, singing people. singing people.

After some hours he/she will fall into a After some hours he/she will fall into a trance, then rise to heal the sick. trance, then rise to heal the sick.

Besides treating physical illnesses, the Besides treating physical illnesses, the “trance dance” traditionally was used to “trance dance” traditionally was used to heal spiritual sicknesses, which, it was heal spiritual sicknesses, which, it was believed, led to conflicts and broken believed, led to conflicts and broken relationships. relationships.

Such healing power allowed Bushmen to Such healing power allowed Bushmen to live together peacefully under harsh, live together peacefully under harsh, stressful conditions. stressful conditions.

Healing DanceHealing Dance The San people have few medicines and generally The San people have few medicines and generally

use dancing and ceremonies to cure illness and use dancing and ceremonies to cure illness and ailments. ailments.

This involves dancing near a sacred fire. In this This involves dancing near a sacred fire. In this dance, the spiritual leaders, which are diviners dance, the spiritual leaders, which are diviners and healers, dance around the fire until they are and healers, dance around the fire until they are in a trance-like state, when they believe they in a trance-like state, when they believe they receive the power to heal. receive the power to heal.

They then attempt to pull out the invisible arrows They then attempt to pull out the invisible arrows affecting the person they are healing. When they affecting the person they are healing. When they reach this state they are able to heal large reach this state they are able to heal large numbers of people at one time. numbers of people at one time.

HealingHealing Despite the lack of Despite the lack of

medicines, the San people medicines, the San people generally live long and generally live long and healthy lives. healthy lives.

However, lung infections However, lung infections and skin diseases are a and skin diseases are a constant threat.constant threat.

Kwashiorkor is also a Kwashiorkor is also a serious threat. This is a serious threat. This is a result of a lack of protein in result of a lack of protein in the San’s diet. Kwashiorkor the San’s diet. Kwashiorkor causes anemia, weakness, causes anemia, weakness, hair loss and an extended hair loss and an extended belly. It occurs exclusively belly. It occurs exclusively in children. in children.

//Gangwasi//Gangwasi

Concept that the dead come back to Concept that the dead come back to bother people and cause sickness bother people and cause sickness and death.and death.

Why? Longing for living.Why? Longing for living. Healers in trance talk to the dead Healers in trance talk to the dead

and try to convince them to leave and try to convince them to leave the live person alone. When the the live person alone. When the dead won’t “hear” them the sickness dead won’t “hear” them the sickness gets worse and the individual dies.gets worse and the individual dies.

ArtArt The Rock Art of the San (Bushmen) people of The Rock Art of the San (Bushmen) people of

Southern Africa has been described as one of Southern Africa has been described as one of humankind’s greatest treasures from the past. humankind’s greatest treasures from the past.

It is found over a large area of Southern Africa It is found over a large area of Southern Africa and more than 15 000 sites occur in South Africa and more than 15 000 sites occur in South Africa alone. The discovery of fragments of rock art – alone. The discovery of fragments of rock art – dated at more than 26 000 years old – suggest dated at more than 26 000 years old – suggest that southern African rock art is one of the that southern African rock art is one of the longest continuous art traditions in the world.longest continuous art traditions in the world.

This priceless heritage – as depicted in the This priceless heritage – as depicted in the collection of the Centre for Indigenous Knowledge collection of the Centre for Indigenous Knowledge of the University of Pretoria – is a valuable aid to of the University of Pretoria – is a valuable aid to understanding the spiritual search of the San understanding the spiritual search of the San people.people.

Art & ReligionArt & Religion

San religion and mythology are of San religion and mythology are of significance in interpreting rock art. significance in interpreting rock art.

The rock artists depicted human and The rock artists depicted human and animal subjects; handprints and a range of animal subjects; handprints and a range of geometric designs were often added to geometric designs were often added to enhance the meaning. enhance the meaning.

Later visitors often interacted with images Later visitors often interacted with images by scratching or rubbing them. For the by scratching or rubbing them. For the San, rock art images marked places of San, rock art images marked places of access to supernatural spiritual power.access to supernatural spiritual power.

HuntingHunting

The San believe that when The San believe that when an eland dies, supernatural an eland dies, supernatural energy is released that energy is released that may be accessed or may be accessed or harnessed by the shaman harnessed by the shaman priests to perform services priests to perform services such as healing and rain such as healing and rain making. making.

They would dance around They would dance around the animal and sing eland the animal and sing eland songs to invite the eland songs to invite the eland spirit to enter their bodies. spirit to enter their bodies. Such a scene is depicted in Such a scene is depicted in this superb, upside-down this superb, upside-down eland body. eland body.

RitualRitual So important was the eland that it So important was the eland that it

features significantly in the rituals features significantly in the rituals performed at initiation performed at initiation ceremonies. ceremonies. • When a young boy hunts his first When a young boy hunts his first

eland he is considered to be ‘of eland he is considered to be ‘of age’. Since this is such an age’. Since this is such an important event, certain rites are important event, certain rites are performed to ensure his safe performed to ensure his safe transition to a new stage of life. transition to a new stage of life.

• When an eland has been killed, the When an eland has been killed, the skin is stretched out on the sand. skin is stretched out on the sand. The young man is invited to take The young man is invited to take his place on the skin while the his place on the skin while the other members of the group dance other members of the group dance around him and make eland around him and make eland footprints all around the skin, using footprints all around the skin, using the dismembered eland hooves.the dismembered eland hooves.

• This is a symbolic gesture which This is a symbolic gesture which means that whichever direction the means that whichever direction the young person should choose to young person should choose to move out towards, from the focal move out towards, from the focal point of the outstretched eland, he point of the outstretched eland, he would move across the path of the would move across the path of the eland, since one’s spirit, and that eland, since one’s spirit, and that of animals, lingers within your of animals, lingers within your footprints.footprints.

Two San people painted in Two San people painted in profile and gracefully profile and gracefully elongated, not only for elongated, not only for aesthetic reasons but also aesthetic reasons but also probably displaying the visual probably displaying the visual distortion experienced as a distortion experienced as a result of the trance result of the trance experience. experience.

Objects seem attenuated and Objects seem attenuated and weightless, almost floating, as weightless, almost floating, as depicted here. depicted here. • The one figure bends forward, The one figure bends forward,

possibly in a dancing position, possibly in a dancing position, or else as a result of the or else as a result of the abdominal muscle abdominal muscle contractions experienced contractions experienced during the initial stages of during the initial stages of trance.trance.

• The figures display details of The figures display details of hunting equipment but the hunting equipment but the string of the bow, which was string of the bow, which was painted in a lighter colour, painted in a lighter colour, cannot be discerned due to cannot be discerned due to the age of the artwork. The the age of the artwork. The decorative detail of the decorative detail of the leather aprons, as well as the leather aprons, as well as the tassles of the headdress and tassles of the headdress and the short shoulder wrap are the short shoulder wrap are all carefully depicted.all carefully depicted.

This rock painting of Nguni cattle This rock painting of Nguni cattle being herded by a San hunter being herded by a San hunter forms part of a larger narrative forms part of a larger narrative depiction and reveals a depiction and reveals a fascinating number of contrasts fascinating number of contrasts and contradictions. and contradictions.

Traditionally the San were hunter-Traditionally the San were hunter-gatherers who did not keep cattle. gatherers who did not keep cattle. A number of interpretations of the A number of interpretations of the scene depicted here come to scene depicted here come to mind, the first being that this mind, the first being that this scene relates to a frontier scene relates to a frontier situation, where San people and situation, where San people and early pastoralists lived in early pastoralists lived in harmony and where the San were harmony and where the San were known to have assisted in cattle known to have assisted in cattle herding in exchange for certain herding in exchange for certain goods. goods.

There are, however, many rock There are, however, many rock art depictions that illustrate times art depictions that illustrate times of strife, for instance when the of strife, for instance when the need for grazing for cattle herds need for grazing for cattle herds threatened the San’s natural food threatened the San’s natural food supply. supply.

Also note the hunting bag carried Also note the hunting bag carried over the shoulder of the hunter, over the shoulder of the hunter, where the bow and arrow can where the bow and arrow can clearly be seen in profile. clearly be seen in profile.

Future of !KungFuture of !Kung

What problems do they face?What problems do they face? The Bushmen had their homelands invaded by cattle herding Bantu The Bushmen had their homelands invaded by cattle herding Bantu

tribes from around 1,500 years ago, and by white colonists over the tribes from around 1,500 years ago, and by white colonists over the last few hundred years. last few hundred years.

From that time they faced discrimination, eviction from their From that time they faced discrimination, eviction from their ancestral lands, murder and oppression amounting to a massive ancestral lands, murder and oppression amounting to a massive though unspoken genocide, which reduced them in numbers from though unspoken genocide, which reduced them in numbers from several million to 100,000. several million to 100,000.

Today, although all suffer from a perception that their lifestyle is Today, although all suffer from a perception that their lifestyle is 'primitive' and that they need to be made to live like the majority 'primitive' and that they need to be made to live like the majority cattle-herding tribes, specific problems vary according to where they cattle-herding tribes, specific problems vary according to where they live. live.

In South Africa, for example, the !Khomani now have most of their In South Africa, for example, the !Khomani now have most of their land rights recognised, but many other Bushman tribes have no land land rights recognised, but many other Bushman tribes have no land rights at all. rights at all. • The Gana (G//ana) and Gwi (G/wi) tribes in Botswana's Central Kalahari The Gana (G//ana) and Gwi (G/wi) tribes in Botswana's Central Kalahari

Game Reserve are among the most persecuted – they have no ownership Game Reserve are among the most persecuted – they have no ownership rights over their land, and the Botswana government has in fact been rights over their land, and the Botswana government has in fact been trying to force them off their ancestral land for the last 16 years. trying to force them off their ancestral land for the last 16 years.

• In 1997, many were forcibly evicted from their homes in the Kalahari In 1997, many were forcibly evicted from their homes in the Kalahari desert, and those that remain have faced drastic restrictions in their desert, and those that remain have faced drastic restrictions in their hunting rights, torture and routine harassment. In the latest move to hunting rights, torture and routine harassment. In the latest move to drive them out, the Botswana government has announced that it is drive them out, the Botswana government has announced that it is cutting off all water supplies to Gana and Gwi communities in the cutting off all water supplies to Gana and Gwi communities in the reserve. reserve.

QuotesQuotes I do not want this place. It is foreign to me. My land is in there [the I do not want this place. It is foreign to me. My land is in there [the

reserve]. I would rather die there than live here.reserve]. I would rather die there than live here.Bushman, New Xade, May 2002Bushman, New Xade, May 2002

We want to live in our land and to choose the way we want to live. We want to live in our land and to choose the way we want to live. Roy Sesana, April 2002Roy Sesana, April 2002

I am feeling very sad. We were created by God on the land of our I am feeling very sad. We were created by God on the land of our fathers and their forefathers – it is our ancestral home. The fathers and their forefathers – it is our ancestral home. The government has treated us unfairly. We were not given any choice government has treated us unfairly. We were not given any choice about moving out.about moving out.Molatlhwe Mokakale, April 2002Molatlhwe Mokakale, April 2002

Now we have to leave our graveyards and go. The government sees Now we have to leave our graveyards and go. The government sees no problem with taking us out of our ancestral lands and putting us no problem with taking us out of our ancestral lands and putting us somewhere else. Our Bushman culture and our social living is somewhere else. Our Bushman culture and our social living is destroyed, there is no respect for any of those things, there is no destroyed, there is no respect for any of those things, there is no democracy for us. democracy for us. Roy Sesana, October 2001Roy Sesana, October 2001

The government said I must leave Molapo because there’s eland The government said I must leave Molapo because there’s eland here, diamonds here and other things here. I think the government here, diamonds here and other things here. I think the government tells me to leave so others will enjoy the riches of this land. But I'm tells me to leave so others will enjoy the riches of this land. But I'm going to stay because those things are mine, not the government's. going to stay because those things are mine, not the government's. Gakeitsiwe Gaorapelwe, Molapo, October 2001Gakeitsiwe Gaorapelwe, Molapo, October 2001

This place is not for the wildlife department. It is my father's father's This place is not for the wildlife department. It is my father's father's father's land.father's land.Bushman woman, Molapo, October 2001Bushman woman, Molapo, October 2001

 

Uncharted Africa is unique in its pioneering efforts to work with the Bushman communities to provide a dignified and culturally sensitive experience.  The company has worked closely with The First People of the Kalahari, the Bushman pressure group that has been affiliated to the United Nations for many years.

Uncharted Africa Safari Company offers an incredible opportunity to experience a dignified and sensitive Bushman safari. For many years, it has not been possible to offer a genuine non-patronising Bushman experience due to the threat of exploitation.  Now, the Bushman people themselves in conjunction with Uncharted Africa Safari Company offers a fascinating insight into their unique way of life, now almost extinct.  These are 4 to 7 night tailor made safaris You will be flown into the nearest Airstrip and transferred by land cruiser to a remote mobile camp site on the Namibian border at Xai

Uncharted Africa Bushman Safaris, Botswana

Solutions??Solutions?? Botswana has a history of good governance rare Botswana has a history of good governance rare

in Africa. However, its aim is now the very in Africa. However, its aim is now the very backward one of integrating the Bushmen into backward one of integrating the Bushmen into the 'mainstream' and ending their way of life.the 'mainstream' and ending their way of life.

The government must halt its violations of The government must halt its violations of Bushman rights, and allow them to live in peace, Bushman rights, and allow them to live in peace, in a way of their own choosing.in a way of their own choosing.

The authorities must prevent officials from The authorities must prevent officials from assaulting Bushmen.assaulting Bushmen.

The right of the Bushmen to hunt the game on The right of the Bushmen to hunt the game on which they depend must be recognized.which they depend must be recognized.

The right of the Bushmen to own communally the The right of the Bushmen to own communally the lands they live on and use within the Central lands they live on and use within the Central Kalahari Game Reserve must be recognized.Kalahari Game Reserve must be recognized.

Services on which the Bushmen now depend – Services on which the Bushmen now depend – health care, water and food supplies – should be health care, water and food supplies – should be maintained.maintained.

How you can helpHow you can help Send a brief, polite letter or fax to the President of the Send a brief, polite letter or fax to the President of the

Republic in Botswana.  Republic in Botswana.  State that you are concerned about the State that you are concerned about the Bushmen of the Kalahari and what must be done to preserve their Bushmen of the Kalahari and what must be done to preserve their rights and their culture.rights and their culture.

The Hon F G Mogae The Hon F G Mogae President of the Republic President of the Republic Private Bag 001 Private Bag 001 Gaborone Gaborone Botswana Botswana Fax: + 267 356 086 Fax: + 267 356 086 Begin: 'Your Excellency' Begin: 'Your Excellency'

Send a copy of your letter to the Director of Wildlife and Send a copy of your letter to the Director of Wildlife and National Parks in Botswana:National Parks in Botswana:

Mr Matlhare Mr Matlhare Director of Wildlife and National Parks Director of Wildlife and National Parks PO Box 131 PO Box 131 Gaborone Gaborone Botswana Botswana

Sign the online petition for the rights of the Kalahari Sign the online petition for the rights of the Kalahari Bushmen on the Survival website, at Bushmen on the Survival website, at http://http://www.survival.org.uk/bushmanpetition.htmwww.survival.org.uk/bushmanpetition.htm

Spread the word!  Spread the word!  

Tell your friends and family about the Tell your friends and family about the Kalahari Bushmen and the problems they Kalahari Bushmen and the problems they face.  face. 

Visit Visit www.survival-international.orgwww.survival-international.org// , the , the website of Survival International. website of Survival International.

This organisation is dedicated to This organisation is dedicated to defending the rights of tribal societies all defending the rights of tribal societies all over the world. over the world.