09 Nov 2023

University of Botswana (UB) art gallery has been turned into a captivating space adorned with pottery displays and visuals of other UNESCO listed cultural heritage elements.

The harmonies of choirs attract visitors to explore the exhibition area, which also features audio-visual displays of Botswana’s rick folk music. 

The exhibition is one of the activities that UB Archaeology final students have employed as strategies to celebrate 20^th anniversary of the Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural heritage (ICH).

Also, the exhibition is meant to unveil the country’s hidden treasures of intangible cultural heritage.

With Botswana set to host the 18^th session of the inter-governmental committee for the safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage in Kasane, the students are also using the exhibition to raise awareness of the country’s intangible cultural heritage and the upcoming event.

One of the Archaeology students, Tshephang Dinake said three elements, which were listed with UNESCO for safeguarding were earthenware pottery-making skills found in Kgatleng District, which was listed in 2012, dikhwaere or dikopelo listed in 2017 and Seperu folk dance and associated practices in 2019. 

She said the Hosana ritual dance and associated practices have been nomiated for listing. 

Of the earthenware pottery-making skills, she said only two master potters remained in Kgatleng District, with the oldest being a 105-year-old woman. 

“The potters use clay soil, weathered sandstone, iron oxide, cow dung, water, wood and grass to craft pots of diverse forms and styles that reflect the traditional practices and beliefs of their community. 

The skills are passed down through generations by observation and practice. 

UNESCO recognises that potters and master potters are at risk of extinction due to their dwindling numbers, low prices for their finished products and the growing use of mass-produced containers.

Dinake also talked of the second listed intangible heritage, dikhwaere or dikopelo.

The vibrant practice involves vocal singing and dancing in a patterned choreography without musical instruments where people from a particular area join together to sing.

Communities and practitioners are unwavering in their commitment to safeguard the cherished tradition, as illustrated by their eagerness to compete with choirs from other districts. 

Dikhwaere have also been used as a strategy to protect young people from social ills and to promote positive messages within communities. 

On the safeguarding of Seperu folk dance and associated practices, Dinake said it was undertaken by the Ministry of Youth, Gender, Sport and Culture.

The initiative aims to preserve the folk dance, which involves singing, dancing and sacred rituals that hold significance to communities in the Chobe District. 

The Seperu multi-layered dress was inspired by peacock tail, known as Mushishi while the male attire is Chiziva.

The knowledge bearers and practitioners of Seperu are diminishing, which will impact on the visibility, continuity and transmission of the cherished cultural practice.

Through the exhibition, Dinake said they intended to raise awareness of the heritage and also to make it accessible to all audiences. 

She noted that they had provided a Braille version of every visual display to ensure equal access to information.

Dr Keletso Dikoka, Archaeology instructor and developer of the exhibition, commended the students’ efforts. 

She said more needed to be done to raise awareness about intangible cultural heritages.

 She said over 120 intangible cultural elements were under threat and were in need of urgent safeguarding. 

Dr Dikoka also stressed the importance of educating people about the benefits of ICH listing.

One choir practitioner from Kgatleng, Happy Tseko admitted that he initially underestimated the importance of listing a choir. 

He said they took the issue lightly because dikopelo was a popular practice in their region. ENDS