Ndebele Mural Art

Paper Summary:

This paper explores the art work produced on houses and clothes by the Ndebele, a broad range of ethnic groups found across Zimbabwe and the Transvaal Province of South Africa. These groups are also noted for their colorful wall paintings and the way that their costumes use the same motifs, showing a connection between their dress and their homes that extends back into their history. The paper describes a typical Ndebele home, with emphasis on the way it is decorated, materials used and the use of color and patterns. It examines the symbolism of specific shapes. The paper also examines the influence of Western imagery on Ndebele art.

From the Paper:

"These designs, however, apparently do not symbolize cosmological or religious concepts. There is also no apparent symbolism to the color used. The beadwork that is made by Ndebele culture is another matter for it is seen as an expression of individual or social identity. Geometrically patterned beadwork is typical of Nguni culture but is unique in Ndebele culture in the extent to which it is used on clothing. Beadwork displays social status by the number and quality of beads used. Age is also communicated, as can be initiate and marital status. The engaged girl spends much time making beaded waist rings for the women in the family and in the family of her betrothed. Beadwork also denotes newly initiated young men, who wear heavy waist and arm rings and other beaded ornaments produced by their mothers during their initiation period (4)."

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