The San or Saan, descendants of the earliest communities to roam vast southern Africa, are amongst the oldest cultures on earth. By rubbing together sticks …they are the early fire-makers.
“...they are the early fire-makers.”
Their primitive dialect of tongue clicks masks an astoundingly knowledgeable people and disguises their collection of conservation practices that enabled the Saan to survive, for centuries, in the wild African bush and arid Kalahari desert. Their accumulation of knowledge was shared amongst communities through ‘rock-art’ discovered etched in the many caves found along the Saan’s nomadic routes. So, probably, the Saan are our planet’s first conservationists.
“...probably, the Saan are our planet’s first conservationists.”
These leathery-lean Bushmen, as they are also known, consume only what they need to survive. They have learned to extract water from damp sand through a reed straw, squeeze liquid out of roots, collect worms, grasshoppers and caterpillars for nutrition whilst discerning edible berries to satisfy their sweet tooth. Unimaginably, the Saan Bushmen have also been seen hunting alongside lion prides and sharing in the king’s kill.
Their lighthearted character extends to their consensus approach to making decisions,
their willingness to share land and acceptance of different communities, to form defensive kraals, for greater security.
Women wear little and carry what they need - such as foraging tools - in a leather sling pouch. The men wear little too, spending their spare time hunting with bow and arrow. The kids play. Life of the African Bushmen appears relaxed and not too serious.
“Life appears relaxed and not too serious.”
Although, change is already afoot everywhere for the Saan Bushmen. Government-mandated modernisation programs are being set in place removing the right of the Saan people to roam free and pursue their nomadic culture. Instead, hunts are limited, tradition is being sterilised for display and communities are being re-settled into permanent establishments. The Saan are now schooled in modern ways and their vast experience in survival and conservation is evaporating.
“...tradition is being sterilised for display.”
Nevertheless, the relaxed and hospitable attitude of Saan communities ensures everyone is welcome in an effort to keep alive their culture, the stories and past way of life.
