Life — January 9, 1913 — page 39: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This is a satirical cartoon mocking international sporting pursuits. The caption "Tunneling for Ostriches in the Transvaal" references the Transvaal region in South Africa, known for ostrich farming. The cartoon depicts various national stereotypes engaged in absurd activities—digging tunnels to "catch" ostriches. The figures appear to represent different nationalities through their distinctive clothing and features (period caricature style). The contrast between modern mechanical equipment visible at top (automobiles, machinery) and the primitive, comical tunnel-digging below creates the humor. The satire likely mocks both European colonial ambitions in Africa and the competitive nationalism of the era, presenting these efforts as futile and ridiculous. The "sports of all nations" frame suggests international rivalry played for entertainment rather than genuine purpose.