This article forms part of the author's research on the heritage of the Upington, Gariep River, area, in South Africa. Autoethnographic methodology based on reflexive theory is applied, whereby the ways in which the values of the author influence the research are made apparent [Robins 2001]. The author uses text and experience to engage both personally and historically with Kalahari artworks and artists, past and present. The focus is on ostrich eggshell decoration and Khoisan Kalahari artist Vetkat Regopstaan Kruiper. Intertextual engagement with the individual is used to reflect broader social, ideological and research issues.