What do you call the thing you picked and where does it go?
We called it “iet tafel” (dining table), this piece of furniture supposed to go in a dining room but it was in our lounge.
Why did you pick this furniture piece?
This was my grandmother’s table. It is over 90 years old. My mother told us how she sat around the table with her siblings whilst having meals. This table belonged to my aunt and was passed on to my mother after. My aunt used it as a cutting table for cutting clothing patterns. I think this table will have many stories to tell. This furniture piece brings back many good memories of family meals, laughing and chatting, etc. It reminds me of when my mother made koeksisters on a Sunday morning. I can also recall how we used the table as a hiding place when we played “hide and seek”.
Explain what this furniture piece means to you or your family/friends?
The furniture piece is still part of our family and my eldest sister is using. It is still a big part of our family gatherings and celebrations. The table is a reminder of how close we are as family and neighbours.
Tell me a story around this furniture piece? A memory, a thought or something that happened recently.
My mother use to take the television off the table for everyone to sit around it and complete their homework. It brings back memories of how my siblings and I sat together at the table doing our homework.
How does this piece of furniture make you feel?
It makes me feel happy and sad. I am reminded of people who are no longer with us but happy that it holds good stories that we can still talk and laugh about today.
Do you think this piece of furniture represents us as Coloureds? Why?
Yes. It wasn’t just a family table but when we sat down for any meal of the day and people would come to visit, my mom would invite them to join us. This gesture is a typical representation of the coloured community – always willing to share with others and treat them like family.
How would you describe your interpretation of Colouredness?
To me colouredness is a lifestyle. The colour of your skin and the way we speak.
What other things strongly represent Colouredness?
Culture and our traditions
What does it mean to be Coloured in South Africa now?
Coloureds are still a marginalised group.
What is your relationship with your Colouredness?
I’m fine with my colouredness. It defines who I am.
