The Griqua’s Apprentice – Antoinette Pienaar

A fascinating South African memoir, cultural history and traditional knowledge book by acclaimed storyteller and performer Antoinette Pienaar.

The Griquas Apprentice: Ancient Healing Arts of the Karoo tells the extraordinary story of Pienaars seven-year apprenticeship under the late Griqua healer Oom Johannes Willemse, a remarkable man who lived deep in the Karoo.

Following a life-threatening illness, Pienaar found herself drawn to the Karoo, where she met Oom Johannes and began learning the traditional knowledge of Karoo plants, herbs, healing practices, stories and folklore that had been passed down through generations.

The book is both a compelling personal story and a fascinating record of South African indigenous knowledge. It includes information on medicinal plants and their traditional uses, along with Griqua stories, rhymes, riddles, historical anecdotes, photographs and useful indexes.

It is particularly interesting for readers fascinated by South African history, the Karoo, traditional cultures, herbal knowledge, folklore and indigenous heritage.

Book details:

• Author: Antoinette Pienaar

• Title: The Griquas Apprentice: Ancient Healing Arts of the Karoo

• Publisher: Umuzi

• Published: 2009

• Language: English

• Format: Softcover

• Condition: Good

A remarkable South African story of knowledge, tradition and transformation, offering a rare glimpse into the traditional healing heritage of the Karoo and the Griqua people.

An unusual and fascinating book for anyone interested in South Africas cultural and natural heritage.