This skin mat craftsman was paralysed in an accident in the South African mines. He now lives with his family out at his cattlepost in the Kalahari and local hunters bring him skins. He makes bags, karosses (traditional skin blankets), leather jackets etc.
Preparing a dried cow skin for the craftsman. Kgotla elders look on whilst exchanging gossip in the Kgotla
Skin mat man’s house. Skins hanging outside to dry
Skins ready for working supplied by local hunters etc
Thongs for sewing
Snake skin
Skin mat man at work. His tools are all to hand as he cannot move from his bed
Intricately stitching a bag, His wife assists where necessary. In this way he supports his family
