Storm’s Material Culture Display

I want to start by saying, Wow, your family has a really rich history. Y’all could literally open an entire museum with just the objects your family has collected throughout the years. It was really special to see you go through all the objects and see you express the significance that these objects have to you and your family. I love that all the objects you chose to submit for the three weeks were personal and close to your heart and they all came together to tell a story of your family traditions and how they have been passed on from generation to generation. It was also interesting to learn that the word “Boer” or “Afrikaner” can sometimes be derogatory to certain groups of South African white communities. I learnt all this through the questions that I asked together with the rest of the group. Whether this was intentional or not, I feel that your objects really spoke to a lot of the main objects of study in anthropology – one of which is the study of continuity, the passing on of traditions and cultures in societies and kinship structures. This is one of the things I noticed. There was a lot that really captured me in your display, but my biggest highlight was the candle that your parents make every year on their anniversary. I was really fascinated by this tradition and I hope it stays alive. Job well done!