The Cape Malay people of the Western Cape in South Africa have their front teeth surgically removed, and the real reason has long been forgotten. Coloured people have been doing it so long that they have forgotten the real reason why they remove their front teeth. "You know, when you do something that your parents and your grandparents have been doing for generations and get asked.. why are you doing it? I answer, I don’t know, because my brothers did it! " Was a quote from a Coloured Man! Some say its a sexual myth or fashion victimhood! It portrays their identity and is called the ‘Passion Gap’ or Cape Flats Smile’. I certainly don’t think it’s attractive at all! But I do agree it adds character to these colourful characters of the Cape.
This guy caught my eye and I snapped him as he waited at the traffic lights.
Very well painted.. you caught the essence of this man.. curious question, do people in South Africa still refer to dark skinned people as coloured???
Hi Heather, thank you! Regarding your question. The official term in South Africa for this mixed group of descendents found mainly in the Cape are referred to as Cape Coloured, Cape Malay or Coloured people. They have a history dating back from when the Dutch first settled in the Cape and have a strong sense of identity. Part Khoisan part Afrikaner. During apartheid, they were given more voting rights than the black people. But that law is fortunately no longer in existence. Ive listed a link which might give you a better idea as to why they are called Coloured. http://www.encounter.co.za/article/25.html
Comments
Great portrait, Debbie
Many thanks Sue!
– Debbie Schiff
Wonderful art Debbie!!
Hi and thank you Elizabeth! xx
– Debbie Schiff
fabulous watercolor portrait, Debbie!
Thank you for your encouraging comment Sally!
– Debbie Schiff
Very well painted.. you caught the essence of this man.. curious question, do people in South Africa still refer to dark skinned people as coloured???
Hi Heather, thank you! Regarding your question. The official term in South Africa for this mixed group of descendents found mainly in the Cape are referred to as Cape Coloured, Cape Malay or Coloured people. They have a history dating back from when the Dutch first settled in the Cape and have a strong sense of identity. Part Khoisan part Afrikaner. During apartheid, they were given more voting rights than the black people. But that law is fortunately no longer in existence. Ive listed a link which might give you a better idea as to why they are called Coloured. http://www.encounter.co.za/article/25.html
– Debbie Schiff
10 October 2011 – 2 images per day
Wonderful portrait, interesting story!
A bit late but thank you so much! Been otherwise distracted!
– Debbie Schiff
Such an awesome painting! Great work, Debbie:)
Many thanks Ann :)
– Debbie Schiff
love the detail and expression of this piece.
Appreciate your feedback Watson thank you!
– Debbie Schiff
excellent Debbie
Hey Bill thanks a mill!
– Debbie Schiff
Debbie, Please enter this in our challenge or any othre of your beautiful art. Thanks so much!
Thanks Elizabeth!
– Debbie Schiff
OCTOBER 19th, 2011
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– Debbie Schiff