Hippo Water Roller
Artist Unknown
2013
South Africa
polyethylene and steel
Roca London Gallery, England
The hippo roller revolutionizes an aspect of physical health: easier transportation for civilians who carry water. Originating from South Africa because of concerns with water insecurity, the hippo roller can hold up to 24 gallons of water and is easily transportable without it being a strain on the carrier’s body. Carrying objects on top of the head presents a danger to the body if too much weight is carried. The roller provides an alternative way that supports a healthier body for the carrier. The container is made from polyethylene, material suited for the difficult and rocky terrain within these rural areas in South Africa. Additionally, its steel handle emphasizes the products durability. Included in the Water for Thought: Life Changing Design exhibition in 2013, which focused on global water issues, the hippo water roller also signals a turn towards more awareness surrounding these problems.
Tyrese Duncan-Moore ’22
Bibliography
Johnson, Cedric G. “The Urban Precariat, Neoliberalization, and the Soft Power of Humanitarian Design.” Journal of Developing Societies 27, no. 3–4 (September 2011): 445–75. doi:10.1177/0169796X1102700409.
This journal offers a critique on humanitarian efforts within poorer countries and looks towards systemic change to provide long-lasting impact to these countries.
“Re-Inventing the Wheel.” Appropriate Technology 30, no. 1 (03, 2003): 47. https://login.ezproxy.bowdoin.edu/login?url=https://search.proquest.com/docview/199994159?accountid=9681.
This article brings to attention the positives and negatives of the roller in context to women and children, and how the object has helped and hindered their lives.
Burns, Peter M., Peter M. Burns, Simone Barrie, and Simone Barrie. 2005. Race, space and ‘our own piece of africa’: Doing good in luphisi village? Journal of Sustainable Tourism 13 (5): 468-85.
Explores how tourism can serve as a catalyst towards rebuilding communities in poverty-stricken areas.
