Taki-Reece, Sachiko
AH, HAKONIWA! SAND, PEBBLES AND BOTTLE CAPS SHINE BRIGHTLY UNDER THE SOUTHERN CROSS
Journal of Sandplay Therapy, Volume 19, Number 2, 2010
KEY WORDS: symbol formation, sandplay therapy in a group setting, South Africa, Sandplay therapy, Hakoniwa, miniatures, children, youth, self-expression, clinical examples, boy, child, adult male.
ABSTRACT: The author shows a meaningful and beautiful Hakoniwa (sandplay) without the usual miniature selection, and also in a group setting. The author worked briefly with children and youth at a school and in play spaces in a shanty town in South Africa. The author speaks of “inner beauty” — an authentic self-expression revealed in the children’s Hakoniwa (sandplay) trays. The evidence of psyche’s work — of symbol formation was evident even under such conditions. Two case examples, that of a 9-year-old boy and the work of a 21-year-old man illustrate the author’s points who reflects on the origin and culture of hakoniwa.