Once Upon a Time is Now: A Kalahari Memoir

Megan Biesele, an anthropologist, has written a memoir based on her personal journals from 50 years ago, focusing on the healing dance and the intricate beliefs, artistry, and social system that support it. She describes her immersion in a creative community and calls it one of the great intellectual achievements of humankind.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 286 pages
Publication date: 14 July 2023
Publisher: Berghahn Books

Anthropologist Megan Biesele has penned an exceptional memoir, drawing from her personal journals penned during her initial fieldwork with Ju/ hoan San hunter-gatherers. Spanning fifty years, this memoir offers a profound insight into the author's experiences and reflections.

The wealth of vivid learning experiences and nightly ponderings discovered within these journals has resulted in a memoir of exceptional value to anthropology students, academics, and general readers alike. Biesele's experiences center around the captivating practice of the long-lived healing dance, commonly referred to as the trance dance. She delves into the intricate beliefs, artistry, and social system that underpin this remarkable tradition, painting a vivid picture of her immersion within a creative community that thrives on the energy and vitality of this dance.

In her memoir, Biesele describes her profound connection with the Ju/ hoan San community and her admiration for their intellectual achievements. She highlights the trance dance as one of the greatest intellectual accomplishments of humankind, emphasizing its role in fostering community, healing, and cultural preservation. Through her storytelling, Biesele transports readers into the heart of this unique cultural world, offering a glimpse into the lives and traditions of the Ju/ hoan San people.

The writing style in this memoir is unique and captivating. Biesele employs a poetic and introspective tone, allowing her memories and insights to unfold with a depth and richness that is truly remarkable. Her prose is filled with vivid imagery, evoking the sights, sounds, and emotions of her time spent with the Ju/ hoan San. The reader is transported into the heart of the field, experiencing the challenges, joys, and profound connections that shaped Biesele's journey.

The Preface to the memoir provides an additional layer of insight into the writing process. Biesele recounts her decision to revisit the box of personal field journals after forty years and the overwhelming experience that awaited her. She describes the treasure trove of memories and forgotten experiences that came vividly alive as she delved into the notebooks. Recognizing the immense value of these journals, Biesele knew that she would have to approach her writing in a completely different manner, one that would do justice to the richness and complexity of her experiences.

In conclusion, Megan Biesele's memoir is a testament to the power of personal reflection and the enduring impact of fieldwork. Through her vivid storytelling and deep insights, Biesele offers a unique perspective on the Ju/ hoan San hunter-gatherer community and the trance dance that holds a special place in their cultural heritage. This memoir is a valuable resource for anthropology students, academics, and anyone interested in exploring the complexities of human culture and the enduring power of tradition.

ISBN-13: 9781800738812