Home > Arts > Artists > B > William John Burchell
Portraits of Khoikhoi and Griqua men, South Africa
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
Portraits of Khoikhoi and Griqua men, South Africa
Portrait of Stoffel Speelman, a Khoikhoi of Hottentot man 1, and a chief of the Griqua or Kora people with hassagai (spear) and kirri (club) 2. Copied from William John Burchells Travels in the Interior of South Africa. Handcoloured copperplate engraving from Friedrich Johann Bertuchs Bilderbuch fur Kinder (Picture Book for Children), Weimar, 1823
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 23154966
© Florilegius/Mary Evans
Bilderbuch Burchell Chief Friedrich Hottentot Johann Khoikhoi Kinder Mixed Spear Kora
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Africa
> South Africa
> Related Images
> Arts
> Artists
> B
> William John Burchell
> Mary Evans Prints Online
> New Images August 2021
EDITORS COMMENTS
This image is taken from Friedrich Johann Bertuch's Bilderbuch fur Kinder (Picture Book for Children), published in Weimar, Germany, in 1823. The print showcases two prominent figures of the South African landscape during the early 19th century: Stoffel Speelman, a Khoikhoi or Hottentot man, and an unnamed chief of the Griqua or Kora people. Stoffel Speelman, depicted on the left, is a representative of the Khoikhoi people, an ethnic group indigenous to the southern and western parts of South Africa. The Khoikhoi were traditionally semi-nomadic pastoralists, known for their distinctive language and cultural practices. Speelman is shown wearing a typical Khoikhoi outfit, consisting of a short tunic and leggings, adorned with beads and other decorative elements. He holds a spear, or hassagai, which was a significant weapon and hunting tool for the Khoikhoi. On the right, we find a chief of the Griqua or Kora people, an ethnic group that emerged from the intermingling of Khoikhoi, San, and European influences. The Griqua were known for their agricultural and trading skills, as well as their unique political organization. The chief is dressed in a combination of traditional and European clothing, and he holds both a spear and a club, or kirri, which were essential tools for both defense and hunting in the African context. This striking hand-colored copperplate engraving was copied from the travels of William John Burchell, a British naturalist and explorer who journeyed extensively through South Africa during the same period. The image offers a fascinating glimpse into the diverse cultural landscape of early 19th-century South Africa, highlighting the rich tapestry of ethnicities, traditions, and influences that shaped the region's history.
MADE IN THE USA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.
