Spirituality, shifting identities and social change: Cases from the Kalahari landscape

HTS Teologiese Studies/Theological Studies

Lauren Dyll-Myklebust¹  Mary E. Lange² 

[1] Centre for Communication, Media andSociety, University of KwaZulu-Natal,South Africa;ARROWSA: Art, Culture & Heritage for Peace, South Africa;

关键词: spirituality;    identity;    storytelling;    art;    place;    social change;    Kalahari people;   

DOI  :  10.4102/hts.v71i1.2985

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Storytelling, art and craft can be considered aesthetic expressions of identities. Kalahariidentities are not fixed, but fluid. Research with present-day Kalahari People regarding theirartistic expression and places where it has been, and is still, practised highlights that these expressions are informed by spirituality. This article explores this idea via two Kalahari case studies: Water Stories recorded in the Upington, Kakamas area, as well as research on a specific rock engraving site at Biesje Poort near Kakamas. The importance of the Kalahari People’s spiritual beliefs as reflected in these case studies and its significance regarding their identities and influence on social change and/or community development projects is discussed. The article thus highlights ways in which spirituality can be considered in relation to social change projects that are characterised by partnerships between local community, non-government and tertiary education representatives and researchers and that highlight storytelling as an integral part of people’s spirituality.

【 授权许可】

Unknown