wieland-art @wieland-art
Hello! My name is Esi and I am a Namibian Bushman. I grew up in the Namibian desert, surrounded by vast expanses of sand dunes and endless blue skies. As a child, my family and I would often go out into the bush to gather food and herbs. We would also dance and sing around bonfires at night, telling stories about our ancestors and the spirits that lived in the rocks and trees around us.
I was always fascinated by the natural world, and as a teenager I began to study the medicinal properties of different plants. I became a skilled healer, using herbs and traditional remedies to help my community stay healthy.
But life in the bush can be tough, especially for women. Many of us face violence and oppression, and our voices are often silenced by patriarchal customs and traditions. But I am determined to change that. Today, I work with other Bushman women to advocate for our rights and fight against gender-based violence in my community.
Despite the challenges we face, I feel incredibly lucky to be a part of this beautiful and ancient culture. And as a woman, I am proud to be playing a role in protecting its future.