HOPEACADEMY
HED4805
ASSIGNMENT 01
16 APRIL 2025
2025
1.1 Explain which one of the two hunting methods i.e., the use
of bows and arrows, or the use of poisoning do you think was
the most effective for the San people.
0 7 6 4 0 3 1 2 2 9
,HED4805
Due date: 16 May 2025
Unique assignment number: 149215
Assignment 01
1.1 Explain which one of the two hunting methods i.e., the use of bows and
arrows, or the use of poisoning do you think was the most effective for the San
people. (15)
Based on the information provided in the extract, the use of poisoned arrows
appears to be the most effective hunting method for the San people. This method
was well-suited to their environment, lifestyle, and available resources, and it
demonstrates advanced knowledge of hunting, animal behavior, and the use of
natural resources.
Firstly, although the San used bows and arrows without fletching, which made
aiming more difficult, the addition of poison to the arrow tips made up for the
lack of accuracy (Wadley, 2010). The poisoned arrows allowed the San to injure
the animal even if the shot was not fatal. Once hit, the animal would eventually
die from the poison, giving the hunters time to track it from a distance.
Secondly, this method made it easier to hunt larger game animals such as
antelope, eland, and buffalo. These animals were difficult to kill instantly, but the
poison increased the hunters’ chances of success. The use of poison meant the
San did not need to get too close or kill the animal immediately — the poison
would do the work over time.
The extract also mentions that the San were knowledgeable about different
sources of poison, including caterpillars, beetle larvae, poisonous plants, and
snake venom, which shows their deep understanding of nature and their
environment. This advanced knowledge added to the effectiveness of the
poisoned arrows.
, Moreover, using poisoned arrows allowed the San to save energy and reduce the
danger of getting close to dangerous animals. They could shoot from a safe
distance (about 20 meters) and then patiently track the animal until it collapsed.
In contrast, using snares and traps, although useful, required the San to spend
time studying animal behavior and setting up the trap in the right place. These
methods were also limited to certain types of animals and did not offer the same
flexibility as the poisoned arrows.
In conclusion, the poisoned arrows were a more flexible, safer, and effective
method for hunting. They increased the chances of a successful hunt, allowed the
San to hunt larger animals, and showed their scientific and practical knowledge of
natural poisons and animal tracking (Wadley, 2010).
Reference: Wadley, L. (2010). In Seroto, J. et al. (2020). Decolonising Education in
the Global South.
1.2 Briefly discuss the role of education in the hunting way of life for San and Khoi
people,
and in their struggle for survival in their indigenous environment.
(10)
Education played a very important role in the hunting and daily life of the San and
Khoi people. This education was not like the modern classroom learning. Instead,
it happened through practice, watching, listening, and doing. The elders and
experienced people taught the young ones by showing them how to do things like
hunting, making tools, or finding food and water. The young people learned by
observing, copying, and asking questions. This kind of learning helped them
survive in their environment (Seroto et al., 2020).
HED4805
ASSIGNMENT 01
16 APRIL 2025
2025
1.1 Explain which one of the two hunting methods i.e., the use
of bows and arrows, or the use of poisoning do you think was
the most effective for the San people.
0 7 6 4 0 3 1 2 2 9
,HED4805
Due date: 16 May 2025
Unique assignment number: 149215
Assignment 01
1.1 Explain which one of the two hunting methods i.e., the use of bows and
arrows, or the use of poisoning do you think was the most effective for the San
people. (15)
Based on the information provided in the extract, the use of poisoned arrows
appears to be the most effective hunting method for the San people. This method
was well-suited to their environment, lifestyle, and available resources, and it
demonstrates advanced knowledge of hunting, animal behavior, and the use of
natural resources.
Firstly, although the San used bows and arrows without fletching, which made
aiming more difficult, the addition of poison to the arrow tips made up for the
lack of accuracy (Wadley, 2010). The poisoned arrows allowed the San to injure
the animal even if the shot was not fatal. Once hit, the animal would eventually
die from the poison, giving the hunters time to track it from a distance.
Secondly, this method made it easier to hunt larger game animals such as
antelope, eland, and buffalo. These animals were difficult to kill instantly, but the
poison increased the hunters’ chances of success. The use of poison meant the
San did not need to get too close or kill the animal immediately — the poison
would do the work over time.
The extract also mentions that the San were knowledgeable about different
sources of poison, including caterpillars, beetle larvae, poisonous plants, and
snake venom, which shows their deep understanding of nature and their
environment. This advanced knowledge added to the effectiveness of the
poisoned arrows.
, Moreover, using poisoned arrows allowed the San to save energy and reduce the
danger of getting close to dangerous animals. They could shoot from a safe
distance (about 20 meters) and then patiently track the animal until it collapsed.
In contrast, using snares and traps, although useful, required the San to spend
time studying animal behavior and setting up the trap in the right place. These
methods were also limited to certain types of animals and did not offer the same
flexibility as the poisoned arrows.
In conclusion, the poisoned arrows were a more flexible, safer, and effective
method for hunting. They increased the chances of a successful hunt, allowed the
San to hunt larger animals, and showed their scientific and practical knowledge of
natural poisons and animal tracking (Wadley, 2010).
Reference: Wadley, L. (2010). In Seroto, J. et al. (2020). Decolonising Education in
the Global South.
1.2 Briefly discuss the role of education in the hunting way of life for San and Khoi
people,
and in their struggle for survival in their indigenous environment.
(10)
Education played a very important role in the hunting and daily life of the San and
Khoi people. This education was not like the modern classroom learning. Instead,
it happened through practice, watching, listening, and doing. The elders and
experienced people taught the young ones by showing them how to do things like
hunting, making tools, or finding food and water. The young people learned by
observing, copying, and asking questions. This kind of learning helped them
survive in their environment (Seroto et al., 2020).
