Lets dance /Hi//Ka//Kusi with non-player character Ju/’Hoansi women in Virtual Reality
The Donkerbos Ju/’hoansi community has co-created a Virtual Reality (VR) experience of their traditional dance, /Hi//ka//kusi, a celebration of rain, food, and prosperity, accompanied by a song of laughter. This dance, primarily performed by the women of the community, embodies their cultural values of joy, unity, and gratitude. The VR experience preserves and promotes the Ju/’hoan language, as the song and interactions are presented in the community’s native tongue, ensuring the survival of their linguistic traditions. It also safeguards the indigenous knowledge embedded in the dance, capturing its significance as a communal celebration and cultural expression. Through this collaborative effort, the community has created an immersive way to document and pass on their heritage to future generations while maintaining its cultural authenticity.