These 2004 photographs of the ancient San or Bushman people of southern Africa were taken in the Kalahari Desert, an area of red sand dunes, surprising green bush, and wonderful wildlife, where Namibia, Botswana and South Africa meet.

These individuals are the living descendents of the First People of Africa. The last survivors of these endangered hunter-gatherers teeter on the brink of cultural extinction. Their faces say all that needs to be said.

While their recent history is heartrending, to be in their presence is inspiring. They have much to teach us. I was in the Kalahari interviewing the keepers of the ancient wisdom, the elders and shamans, for a forthcoming documentary film: "In Search Of The Future: Where did we come from? Where are we going?"

These are the world's oldest people! They carry the oldest DNA on the planet, and are a living repository of priceless knowledge. The oldest person pictured here, Ouma (Grandmother) Anna, is about 104 years of age.

The landscape images are from Monument Valley, Arizona, Canyon de Chelly, Arizona, and Bandalier, New Mexico, all places where ancient peoples have lived and left their mark.

ACB