Tantalizing the imaginations of artists and designers, the iconic art of Ndebele women has graced the surfaces of aeroplanes, motor vehicles, walls and the body, reaching international acclaim. But this wasn’t always so.
Tantalizing the imaginations of artists and designers, the iconic art of Ndebele women has graced the surfaces of aeroplanes, motor vehicles, walls and the body, reaching international acclaim. But this wasn’t always so.
A peek at the current changes in dress of the Zulu people of Southern Africa. part 1
Comments about current changes in dress, part 2 The journey of these cloths from manufacture to internment is unique in Africa. Redefining our perceptions of ritual items and their purpose.
This article briefly discusses bead making, the construction methods of beadwork, and influences of the San healing systems on the material culture of others.
In the blistering heat, hunting and running down the next meal can take days. So it is surprising that the San had the time, energy or will to make beads. The fact they did, conveys as much about the significance, symbolism and holistic function attributed to beads, as it does about the human need […]
Frothy and nutritious, local beer called utshwala is much beloved by the Zulu people, and besides mere recreational enjoyment, it also serves other functions.
Vibrant, pulsating and alive - unique telephone wire woven designs made by Zulu men to encase glass bottles reflect one aspect of the development of a popular culture between the 1950’s and 1980’s in Southern Africa.
Practical, utilitarian, sometimes with a jazzy decorative appeal these items were considered a relevant part of gift exchange at marriage ceremonies in Kwa Zulu Natal, last century.
The colonials considered this visually forceful artistic tradition and masquerade ceremony subversive. The reason why is evident.