Let's get acquainted!
We, the San, are descendants of Early Stone Age ancestors. Our home is the vast Kalahari Desert in Southern Africa, where we live peacefully and joyfully as hunter-gatherers, despite the many challenges our way of life presents.
Lessons for life
We carry the innate knowledge of the natural world, passed down from our ancestors. This wisdom unites us with nature and teaches us countless life lessons.
A hand in glove (2021) by Tessa BarlinProject FUEL
One of the greatest lessons is to never disturb nature’s balance. For our community, wasting or overusing resources is the gravest sin.
Our routine
At daybreak, we head out into the drylands to forage for food and wood. On days when meat is hanging, we rest and relax. For us, the best way to unwind is to gather together in the evenings.
Exchanging Stories (2021) by Tessa BarlinProject FUEL
Most evenings are spent sharing stories of the day and planning for the future. Everyone gathers around the bonfire, engaging in heartfelt conversations. There is no greater joy than being surrounded by kin and truly being heard.
Passing the ball (2021) by Tessa BarlinProject FUEL
We love spending our leisure time playing sports and dancing. Rhythm is the heartbeat of our lives. Through dancing, singing, and music, we express ourselves and connect with the world around us.
Fostering Generations (2021) by Tessa BarlinProject FUEL
We focus on giving love and warmth to our children, while the extended family comes together to teach and instil discipline. This shared care creates a strong sense of belonging, which is essential for the happiness and well-being of every social being.
Love triumphs
Our culture is rooted in sharing, foresight, and sustainable living. This way of life fosters social cohesion and keeps ego in check, allowing love and community to flourish above all else.
This is US! (2021) by Tessa BarlinProject FUEL
With changing times, we have adopted new strategies for political, economic, and social survival. While retaining many ancient practices, we’ve made some compromises to modern life. Westernized myths have influenced us in both positive and challenging ways.
Project FUEL would like to thank the San community of Xai Xai village, Botswana for opening their hearts and home for this research.
Project FUEL documents, designs and passes on human wisdom and strengthens the wisdom of indigenous communities using art, digital media, and community outreach programmes. The arts lead the way to raise support for the challenges these communities face today, like migration, quality education and access to basic amenities like water and roads.
Cultural consultant: Bojosi Joster
Image Credit: Tessa Barlin and Daniel Myburg.
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