They say the Kalahari Bushmen are descendants of the first people to walk the earth.  They speak a very unique language consisting of a series of "clicking" sounds. Their lives have been studied and filmed, romanticized, and misrepresented in many ways.

If the world as we know it, comes to an end and we must have the skills to survive off the land, in a harsh, barren, environment, I want to live with the Bushmen.  They have the knowledge to make fire within minutes without a match, bows, poison arrows, find water where there is obviously none, track animals for miles, find medicinal plants for many diseases, build a home from materials available around them, clothe themselves from animal skins, forage the land for food, all while seeming to live in a peaceful, harmonious, group.  The Bushmen are small in stature but carry themselves with dignity and pride.  And they have a wonderful sense of humor!

Today the Bushmen struggle to retain their lands and their traditional lifestyle. They have been marginalized by the government's laws and regulations which have no respect for their culture and way of life.  Sadly, alcohol is also a contributing problem within the community.

The women of the community create beautiful jewelry and bags from ostrich shell and seeds.

Photos in the Collection:

An Inspiration 2615

Turtle Purse 2607

Beautiful Girl 2631

Mother and Baby 2511

Boy in the Forest 2605

A Mile in His Shoes 2704

Loin Cloth 2475

Never Lost 2413

Smiling Girl 2394

Making Fire 2553

Survival Gear 2417

Smoking 2457

Bow and Bag 2416