Miscast : negotiating the presence of the bushmen : [... exhibition ... at the South African National Gallery

In this book, eminent scholars explore the term 'Bushmen' and the relationships that gave rise to it, from the perspectives of anthropology, archaeology, comparative religion, literary studies, art history and musicology. Topics as diverse as trophy heads and museums, to the destruction of the Cape San, and appraisals of 19th-century photographic practices are examined. A parallel text runs thoroughout the book and provides a counter narrative to the central discourses. The book is richly illustrated with previously unpublished photographs and documents from many archives and museums. In this lavishly illustrated work, prepared to accompany an elaborate exhibit, eminent scholars explore the term "Bushman", and the relationships that gave rise to it, from the perspectives of anthropology, archaeology, comparative religion, literary studies, art history, and musicology. Topics as diverse as trophy heads and museums, the destruction of the Cape San, and appraisals of nineteenth-century photographic practices are examined. Pippa Skotnes, who was both curator of the exhibit and editor of this volume, provides a full text and discussion of the materials, which came from many archives and museum collections.

An arresting tribute to the San people, Miscast: Negotiating the Presence of the Bushmen is now available in the United States for the first time.