"Place of our own": the anthropology of space and place in the Afrikaner Volkstaat of Orania
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Authors
Hagen, Lise
Issue Date
2013-01
Type
Dissertation
Language
en
Keywords
Ethnography , Anthropology , Place , Landscape , Textual analysis , Afrikaner , Identity , Volkstaat , Orania
Alternative Title
Abstract
In anthropological studies place is often taken for granted, “just” the locale where
other interesting, more significant things happen (De Jongh 2006:79). I argue
that rather than a mere backdrop to activities, the landscape of Orania is
significant and that physical place is essential for the construction of an Orania
identity. I ethnographically examine whether the physical setting of Orania can be
seen as a prime signifying system through which a particular other interesting, more significant things happen (De Jongh 2006:79). I argue
that rather than a mere backdrop to activities, the landscape of Orania is
significant and that physical place is essential for the construction of an Orania
identity. I ethnographically examine whether the physical setting of Orania can be
seen as a prime signifying system through which a particular Afrikaner ethnic
identity, as well as a set of socio-cultural values is communicated.
Occupying the physical land is a form of collective identity that helps create
ethnic identities (Tilley 2006:11-13). Orania is an authentic place-bound
expression of this quest for identity and Oranians define their identity through
their model of space and of their land. The physical boundaries are expanded
when support groups outside of the settlement become an integral part of the
activities in the community, and socio-political boundaries are tested by an inand
outflux of community members and the constant presence of South African
and international press, and visitors.
iv
Landscape does not merely comprise the land, but also includes the lived
experiences and attitudes of the inhabitants. Landscape as text, “a medium to be
read for the ideas, practices and contexts constituting the culture which created
it” (Ley 1985:419) proves to be a legitimate and constructive way to make sense
of the landscape. As with texts, the landscape as text is subject to multiple
readings. The focus on textual landscape offers an expanded perspective on
space and place, and in this case texts also amplify the Oranian space
exponentially.
Different types of landscapes - culturescapes, landscape as text and textual
landscapes - are building blocks in the construction of an Orania identity. Finally,
I would emphasise that Orania, and by extension this study, is not just an
academic concept, but a product of the lived experiences and opinions of people
who are closely connected to land of their own..
Description
Citation
Hagen, Lise (2013) "Place of our own": the anthropology of space and place in the Afrikaner Volkstaat of Orania, University of South Africa, Pretoria, <http://hdl.handle.net/10500/10422>