The San People of Namibia

The San are the indigenous people of the southern African region who have inhabited the land for around 27,000 years. They were the original hunter/gatherers of southern Africa. With the enclosure and fencing of their original habitat they have become a dispossessed people.

The San are widely recognised as the most impoverished disempowered and stigmatised ethnic group in southern Africa.

As with the Red Indians in North America and the Aborigines in Australia they have a low tolerance to alcohol which has caused problems. They tend to be treated as second class citizens and find employment as farm labourers or domestic servants.

In Namibia, the government have purchased a number of farms and resettled the San on them where they have planted crops and have cattle. On one such farm at Skoonheid in the Omaheke region, a local retired GP, the late Dr Helene de Kok mobilised the women into making their traditional jewellery using beads and ostrich egg shells to provide an income for themselves.

The jewellery is sold in the craft shops in the capital, Windhoek and other specialist outlets. In the UK, it is sold by the Catherine Bullen Foundation on behalf of the San women and the proceeds are sent back to them through the late Dr de Kok's family.

A montage of the San jewellery that is for sale.

Single string necklace - £5.00
Length: approx 46 cms circumference
Colours: White, Black, Gun metal, blue, copper and honey.

Two string necklace - £6.00
Length: approx 42 cms circumference
Colours: White, Gun metal, copper and honey.

Single string bracelet - £3.50
Length: approx 19 cms
Colours: White, Silver, Gun metal, copper and honey.

Two string bracelet - £5.00
Length: approx 19 cms
Colours: White, Black, copper and honey.

Three string bracelet - £7.00
Length: approx 19 cms
Colours: White, Black, copper and honey.

Large shell bracelet - £6.50
Length: approx 19 cms
Colours: White.

Nebula 1 necklace - £6.00
Length: approx 52 cms circumference
Colours: White and Black.

Nebula 2 necklace - £6.00
Length: approx 44 cms circumference
Colours: White and Black.

How to order

To order please email rogerbullen409@btinternet.com stating the item you require, colour, price, and delivery address.

Postage and Packing

All prices are exclusive of postage and packaging. On receipt of your order we will advise the cost.

We will deliver free of charge within a ten mile radius of Mersea Island including Colchester

Payment Methods

Online: Please go to the Foundation's website at www.namibia-aid.org.uk and go to the donation page and use the'Paypal' portal.

By 'Bank Transfer', we will advise you our account details on receipt of the order.

By cheque, made out to the Catherine Bullen Foundation and sent to 15 Colchester Road, West Mersea, Colchester, Essex, CO5 8RS.

Note: Orders will be despatched on receipt of payment.

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