What do you call the thing you picked and where does it go?
We called it the “Queen Anne 3-piece lounge suite” and it goes in the lounge.
Why did you pick this furniture piece?
The photo of this furniture piece was sent to me by my siblings because they knew I would have a story to tell. When I saw this picture, I shared the same sentiment since it brought back memories of my days as a ‘so called’ wedding planner. I was somehow always in charge of the “bruire” (weddings).
Explain what this furniture piece means to you or your family/friends?
It reminds me of how close we were as family, friends, and neighbours that when it came to functions, we would share our belongings regardless of how expensive or new it was at the time. This furniture piece was used at most or almost all the weddings as if it belonged to all.
Tell me a story around this furniture piece? A memory, a thought or something that happened recently.
This furniture piece was used at weddings. It was placed on the stage for the bride and groom. And since I was in charge of decorating the stage for family, friends and neighbours, it was always my duty to ask my sister if we could use her expensive furniture piece. This piece was the focal point of the stage, no matter what the colour scheme was – This was a ‘Queen Anne’ so the stage looked gevaarlik!
How does this piece of furniture make you feel?
It makes me feel good and makes me reminisce about the good old days. It brings back memories of the wedding celebrations. How we worked together as a team to make it happen.
Do you think this piece of furniture represents us as Coloureds? Why?
No. Since this piece was not commonly seen in coloured homes.
How would you describe your interpretation of Colouredness?
‘Colouredness’ is more than just a skin colour. It is about the culture of a close knitted community. It has its own unique characteristics – the unity, camaraderie, and willingness to help one another.
What other things strongly represent Colouredness?
The way we speak, how we celebrate, the way we dress.
What does it mean to be Coloured in South Africa now?
Coloured in South Africa was a term given to a certain group because of the colour of their skin. There are still people who are comfortable with identifying themselves as coloured, however I think, slowly but surely the term ‘coloured’ is starting to lose its meaning. But the term ‘colouredness’ is will still be around for a long time.
What is your relationship with your Colouredness?
I grew up in Mitchell’s Plain (a typical coloured area). Even though I don’t like to identify myself with any race because of my skin colour, I accept the “colouredness” as it is evident in the way I speak.
