Task 14
Balancing makes connections with History when Indians and as well people from Haiti and various others have relied on balancing objects on their heads, as a method for transporting objects or necessities long distances. Balance becomes a key factor in these situations, because at any moment the plethora of objects being held on their heads can fall with a single factor, ranging from strong winds or even a wrong step. Balancing objects on the head is a common practice in many parts of the world, as an alternative to carrying a burden on the back, shoulders, and other parts of the body. People have carried heavy objects balanced on top of their head since ancient times, usually to do daily work. African-American women continued the practice as passed down by their ancestors, during the 19th century, which they learned from elder Africans brought from Africa to work in America as slaves.
At a time where transportation was limited and more expensive, balancing objects became a convenience.In East Africa,women carry extremely heavy loads on top of their heads. Women carrying heavy loads use a leather strap wrapped around their forehead and the load to secure it while it is carried. Which as a result, many a times causes a small indention in the forehead of the women. An unfair price to pay for the basic necessities of everyday life. These women go through supererogation everyday just to provide for their families at an astounding extent. Practices such as these have been carried out for years and don't seem to be anything out of the ordinary for these cultures. Although its everyday routine, I feel like people who make a comfortable enough living who aren't aware of such hardships would be left in disbelief. A talent that should be applauded, because a simple task like balancing objects on ones head, can mean the difference between life and death for many.