The Digital Bushmen of the Kalahari
Laurence van der Posts book “The Bushmen of the Kalahari” instilled in me an awe for the skills of the bushmen trackers in the eternally magnificent African landscape. Now in the 21st generation, their ancient skill that has been passed down through generations is being enhanced by PDAs - personal digital assistants. According to the International Trade Forum:
The high-tech wildlife trackers have been used against poachers, in ecotourism, environmental education, research and monitoring. The free software that links up traditional knowledge to electronic data mapping has been applied around the world to social surveys, organic farming, integrated pest management and disaster relief.
I love this photo that shows how comfortably the uber-modern sits with the traditional.
- Posted on
Thu, August 23rd, 2007 - Author
Yang-May Ooi - Category
- 4 responses
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August 23rd, 2007 at 2:34 pm
Wish it was a larger photo. Do they use Twitter? “I’m on the south edge of the watering hole…stalking water buffalo”.
Sorry, could not help myself.
August 24th, 2007 at 5:12 pm
Good one, digitalnomad! Perhaps the ringtone of the incoming message might scare away the prey…
September 3rd, 2007 at 2:17 pm
Great photo! And I’d love to know what character set they use for that unique clicking and burring language. I don’t follow many people on twitter (feels weird to stalk complete strangers. Or be stalked) but I’d definitely follow any Bushmen twittering…
September 4th, 2007 at 7:20 am
Michael, I agree, it’s a bit strange following strangers on Twitter. But I find Twitter useful to pick up early notice of news making the rounds of the blogosphere (by subscribing to the social media experts)and to see what my actual real-world friends/ family are doing in their daily lives.