When you enter Anita Volschenk’s house in Despatch, you can expect to be surrounded by elephants. A giant assortment of them. But even more interesting than her vast collection of elephant memorabilia, is the story from which this collection was borne.
Around 15 years ago, when the complications and difficulties of life almost got the better of her, Anita was saved by the unlikely, although beautiful, canvas of a mother elephant and her little calf in a shop. It was a turning point in her life. One can call it a moment of spiritual awakening.
“Suddenly I could hear God speaking to me. Telling me that He was like the mother elephant, the Gentle Giant, who is always in control. And that the small elephant was me,” said Anita.
And this is where it all started. From the depths of despair not only a hobby, but also a new outlook on life, began. Her love for and interest in these gentle giants and what they signify to her personally, inspired her elephant-themed collection. This vast array of items has grown to almost 700 items strong in the last 15 years.
“In fact, sometimes I don’t even have to go and look for the elephants. Often, they are pointed out to me when I least expect it.”
The spiritual nourishment that she gets from her collection and the study of these animals has served her well over the years.
“Elephants don’t forget. They grieve like humans when a family member passes away. One can learn so much from them.
“The most special experience to date was the last time when I went walking trunk-in-hand with the biggest female elephant of that specific herd. This awe-inspiring animal even allowed me to touch her eyelashes and kiss her on her cheek! I felt so blessed to have been allowed in such close proximity to these magnificent creatures.”
To Anita, there are also other gentle giants in her life: those important ones called friends, family, and community, who have also helped to carry her through difficult times.
Her personal elephant-themed collection keeps growing as these gracious friends and family members continue to add to it from local sources, from all over the country and even from abroad. There are a variety of ornaments, candles, jewellery, clothing items, keyholders, magnets, kitchen equipment, books, art, home accessories, to name only a few.
The original canvas of the protective mother elephant shadowing her calf, still hangs on the wall of Anita’s house.
“I hope I will never have to part with it,” she says with a look of gratitude in her eyes.
Just before I leave, the last bright rays of sunlight illuminate the painting. I leave the elephant lady with a new sense of hope, renewed faith and a reminder of the special bond that can exist between man and animal.
