Atmosfærer

Abstract

In this article I argue that air and atmosphere have a great analytical potential for studies of the colonial heritage in contemporary South Africa. From a case study of soap use in healing rituals among Zulu Zionists in Durban, South Africa I move the focus to Victorian South Africa. This is done through archival material that reveals that health and illness are related to ideas of air and atmosphere. Settler experiences with a foreign land and people are related to ideas of air pollution and disease. To breathe during certain atmospheric conditions was to inhale problematic aspects of Africa and Africans. Therefore «air-conditioning» became an important public health initiative that had other effects than health prevention. Soap emerge in this perspective as an atmospheric technology which illustrates that the concept of air played a part in the development of segregation. I conclude that a focus on air and atmosphere illustrate that Zulu Zionist healing rituals can be interpreted as a creative manner to manipulate the settler populations' racism.