Dorp, vermoedelijk in Transvaal, Zuid-Afrika 1967 - 1971

This photograph of a village, likely in Transvaal, South Africa, captured by Willem Jacob van den Berg, presents a timeless scene dominated by the presence of cattle. Throughout history, cattle have held a prominent place as symbols of wealth, sustenance, and spiritual power. In ancient cultures, from the Minoans to the Egyptians, bulls were revered as divine figures, embodying strength and fertility. Even today, in certain African societies, cattle are not merely livestock but central to social structures and ritual practices. Consider, for instance, the symbolic role of cattle in initiation rites and ancestral veneration. The image resonates deeply due to the primal connection humans have with these animals. This timeless scene speaks to our collective memory, evoking feelings of nostalgia. The cycle continues, with this scene echoing through history.