Abstract

Contributed Talk - Splinter Culture

Tuesday, 14 September 2021, 10:15   (virtual Cult)

Inspiration and Engagement with Astronomy Through Khoi and San Starlore

Daniel Cunnama, Kerry Jones, Betta Steyn
SAAO, Rhodes University, University of Stellenbosch

Africa has a long and rich relationship with astronomy, dating back millennia. African starlore or stories about our night sky from the perspective of African storytellers are a unique part of Africa’s indigenous knowledge. In southern Africa, we have many different languages spoken in different regions. Language and the tradition of storytelling go back many generations and tie us to our ancestors. This part of our cultural heritage is considered intangible but through the creation of animations and artworks, we can bring these heritage treasures to the South African and international public, in an engaging and modern way. This interdisciplinary collaboration between traditional storytellers, linguists, artists and astronomers has the potential to showcase our national heritage in an accessible and honourable way that has never been done before.