What do you call the thing you picked and where does it go?
Bunk Bed or Double Bunk
Why did you pick this furniture piece?
Had to ‘skarrel’ for this. Other photos of family furniture were chosen/taken by my siblings.
Explain what this furniture piece means to you or your family/friends?
I remember always being designated to sleep on the top bunk. In hindsight, that space became my haven in a 3 bedroom council house filled with 5 other siblings. Not only was it my place to sleep but also the place where I did my school homework, learn my batcha lessons and also indulged in my favourite past time…reading myself ‘stukkend’. At times when space allowed, the bunk was converted into single beds (happiness!) but never for too long…there was always a cousin /friend or even an uncle looking for a place to sleep. So, when things got cramped it was easily converted back into a double bunk.
Tell me a story around this furniture piece? A memory, a thought or something that happened recently.
So whenever I argued with and started bickering with my brother, I used to retreat to my “haven. He would then lie down on the bottom bunk and kick his legs up to lift my mattress in the air. It was so annoying. My screaming didnt’ phase him. Only our mother could make him stop.
How does this piece of furniture make you feel?
I definitely have fond memories of our bunk bed. It was also our space where we played ‘huisie huisie’ with our dolls.
Do you think this piece of furniture represents us as Coloureds? Why?
Definitely a coloured “ícon’. Historically there has always been a housing shortage in the coloured community. I think that the bunk bed was and is still a symbol of …moenie worry nie ons gaan space maak, solank daar n dak oor ons kop is, is alles reg. By the way, this piece of furniture was/is not only designated to the bedroom but also the lounge and sometimes kitchen..true story!
How would you describe your interpretation of Colouredness?
Colouredness: the ability to identify and adapt to all races (physical), religions and ethnicity (cultural).
What other things strongly represent Colouredness?
Our language (cape dialect) cannot be taught; our cape humour can only be told by and fully appreciated by a cape coloured
What does it mean to be Coloured in South Africa now?
In the Western Cape, it means to be inclusive…in most other parts of South Africa there is no recognition or tolerance for coloured culture
What is your relationship with your Colouredness?
My Colouredness: Nie wit, nie swart, bietjie Indian, a touch of Arab but mostly Malay
