People, Politics and Power

The Bushman people of Southern Africa have been politically marginalized, and written out of the region's history. This collection of essays argues that the Bushman people played an important, integrated role in Southern Africa's history and that they continue to enrich its cultural heritage. The essays derive from an exhibition of Bushman art past and present, the purpose of which was to re-situate Bushman art in a more sensitive social and historical context. The work provides a reappraisal of Bushman art and history, and uses many images and direct quotations from the Bushmen. The papers cover: human rights; the histories of Ghanzi, Dobe and Tjumkui; colonial attitudes; the white lady of the Brandberg; rock art; beadwork and contemporary art.