The !Khwa ttu San Culture and Education Centre near Yzerfontein recently celebrated a significant milestone in its ongoing journey to preserve and share the rich heritage of the San people.
The centre recently hosted partners from the United States, including Ilisa Barbash and Kimberley Allegretto from Harvard University’s Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology, as well as Alice Apley and Frank Aveni from Documentary Educational Resources (DER), Massachusetts. This collaboration marks an important step in expanding access to valuable archival materials that document the cultural history of southern Africa.
Nearly eight years ago, Chris Low, the Museum Director of !Khwa ttu, reached out to Ilisa Barbash at the Peabody Museum to explore their archival collection of photographs taken by the Marshall family during the 1950s and 1960s. These photographs, which document the lives of the San and other communities in southern Africa, sparked the beginning of a meaningful partnership. This collaboration has since grown into two interconnected exhibitions—one in the United States and one at !Khwa ttu—highlighting the shared history and stories of the San people.
A Unique Approach to Archiving and Sharing History
At the heart of !Khwa ttu’s mission is the commitment to make the Marshall archive accessible to the communities it portrays. The centre’s efforts have extended beyond traditional archival practices to include exhibitions and outreach initiatives that emphasize community engagement. The goal is to ensure that these historical records are not just preserved, but are also meaningful and accessible to the descendants of the people they depict.
The Marshall photographs and films serve as a bridge between past and present, allowing the San people to reconnect with their history and share their stories with the world. This project is guided by the principle that cultural preservation must be driven by the communities themselves, ensuring that the materials are used in ways that honour their traditions and values.
!Khwa ttu San Heritage Centre: More Than a Museum
The !Khwa ttu San Heritage Centre is far more than a conventional museum—it’s a dynamic, living space that embodies the spirit of community-led curation. The centre’s exhibitions, San-led trails, and guided experiences are designed to engage all the senses, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the rich cultural traditions of the San.
Unlike typical museums that focus solely on static displays, the !Khwa ttu Heritage Centre is an interactive journey through the history, skills, and knowledge of the San people. Exhibitions feature not only historical photographs and artifacts, but also hands-on experiences that showcase the wisdom and expertise of San communities across southern Africa. These experiences highlight the archaeological significance of the region, where evidence of early modern humans has been discovered along the southern African coastline.
By involving the San community in every step of the curation process, the centre fosters a sense of ownership and pride. This approach ensures that the stories and skills of the San are not just preserved for academic study but celebrated as a living, evolving heritage.
Visit the Marshall Exhibition at !Khwa ttu
The Marshall Exhibition is currently open at the !Khwa ttu San Heritage Centre, providing a unique window into the past through the eyes of the Marshall family. This exhibition is a powerful reminder of the enduring cultural richness of the San people and their profound connection to the land. Visitors are invited to explore this fascinating exhibit and experience the stories and traditions that have shaped the San heritage.
For more information visit www.khwattu.org
