Shipping Roots

With the aid of humans, plants have been migrating between land masses for a long time, a process that European colonialism sped up. Keg de Souza's book Shipping Roots explores the narrative of plant species related to her own cultural removal, drawing from her experiences as a person whose ancestral lands were colonized. The exhibition explores how plants moved across oceans and lands, transported in the hulls of ships, as part of the British Empire's colonial legacies. The book includes high-quality photography of the exhibition, as well as essays and recipes by numerous contributors.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 104 pages
Publication date: 06 October 2023
Publisher: Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

Plants have been migrating between land masses for centuries, with human assistance playing a significant role in this process. European colonialism, particularly in the 19th and 20th centuries, accelerated this movement, leaving a lasting impact on the landscapes worldwide. The legacy of colonialism can be observed in the widespread occurrence of landscapes shaped by human intervention, as well as the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss.

In her companion book to the exhibition "Shipping Roots," Keg de Souza weaves a narrative around plant species that are closely tied to her own cultural removal. Drawing from her experiences as a person whose ancestral lands were colonized, de Souza explores the complex relationships between plants and people, emphasizing the role of plants in shaping our understanding of place and belonging.

The exhibition "Shipping Roots" delves into the intricate ways in which plants have been transported across oceans and lands throughout history, often in the hulls of ships. It explores the colonial legacies of the British Empire, highlighting the interconnectedness of plants and people across different regions. The stories presented in the exhibition connect Australia, India, and the UK, shedding light on the complex web of relationships that exist between these countries and their plant species.

This book not only showcases high-quality photography of the exhibition but also includes essays and recipes contributed by numerous experts and enthusiasts. The essays provide deeper insights into the historical and cultural significance of plant migration, while the recipes offer a glimpse into the culinary traditions that have been influenced by these movements.

Overall, "Shipping Roots" serves as a thought-provoking exploration of the intricate connections between plants, people, and the places we inhabit. It reminds us of the profound impact of human actions on the natural world and the importance of preserving biodiversity and cultural heritage for future generations.

Weight: 274g
Dimension: 165 x 246 x 9 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781910877517