Ocean Ancestors

Biological and cultural diversity are deeply entwined and Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) plays a key role towards integrating social-cultural perspectives into nature conservation. TEK consists of knowledge, practices, beliefs and stories that have been passed down through generations to frame and guide human interactions with the environment. While the cultural significance of whales and dolphins is well-documented in some regions around the world, this knowledge remains largely unexplored in the South African context.

This exploratory study seeks to address the gap and better understand the collective benefit of such an endeavour. Traditional beliefs often allude to the ocean’s sacredness; for example, in some Nguni communities, the ocean is considered the resting place of ancestors. The concept of 'indlela yokuphila' (“the path of life”) in Zulu traditions also associates marine animals with spiritual journeys, where humans may inhabit marine mammals as part of their ancestral lineage. It is suggested that cetaceans possess divine wisdom and appear to humans as messengers. Despite historical displacement of peoples from coastal areas which held multigenerational ties, some oral traditions about marine mammals have persisted among elders and their communities, particularly those who have retained a connection or regained coastal access for livelihood, recreation, or cultural practices. However, this knowledge is being lost among various cultural groups. In addition, both academic literature and government reports lack useful documentation of this traditional knowledge, which undermines both social-ecological conservation efforts and prospects for intergenerational cultural preservation.

In summary, this exploratory study is investigating and recording the cultural knowledge, legends, folklore, relationships, and connections with whales and dolphins at selected areas along the SA coast. It is hoped that this can: support the maintenance and transmission of TEK; help bridge gaps to better integrate TEK into policy-making processes; and enhance interdisciplinary and inclusive approaches to marine conservation. Ultimately, we hope that whales and dolphins are protected not only as an ecological flagship species but also valued as cultural kinship symbols within South Africa’s shared heritage.

Funding support through The Rufford Foundation. Ethics clearance through Nelson Mandela University.

Project Team: Alejandra Vargas, Bernadette Snow, Zodumo Sharon Khowa, Mia Strand, Matthew Zylstra

Each session consists of 20-minute presentations, followed by a joint Q&A session of 15 minutes.

ABOUT DR MATTHEW ZYLSTRA

Dr Matthew Zylstra is a systems ecologist focusing on how to better the human-nature relationship for the health of people and planet. He has over 20 years of international experience in applied social-ecological research and outdoor education and facilitation. Matthew is Programme Coordinator for the Kwendalo Institute, Research Fellow at CST-Stellenbosch University and committee member for the Robberg Coastal Corridor. He is a Professional Natural Scientist with the SA Council for Natural Scientific Professions and a passionate nature connection field guide.