Abstract This paper examines how the Zulu nation is the best-known sub-group of the Nguni tribe, which is one of the largest tribal groupings in South Africa and how the Zulus have a rich culture with the traditional handicrafts and the intricate designs of their beadwork being especially noteworthy. It describes the history of the Zulu beadwork and clothing as well as how the beads are made and who makes them, what they are used for and their significance and symbolic meaning in Zulu culture.
From the Paper "Beadwork is an essential part of the traditional Zulu dress for women. For example, Zulu clothing for Zulu girls is mainly made of beadwork and is usually quite revealing (most unmarried girls go topless with only necklaces and skirts made of beads). Older Zulu women wear clothes that cover their bodies. They, however, decorate their isicholo (a wide hat made of straw) with beads (ubuhlalu). Women also wear isidwaba, a pleated skirt made of cowhide and softened by hand. Younger women sometimes decorate their "isidwaba" with beads, whereas older women wear it plain. (?Culture of Zulu People.?)"
Abstract 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)."
Abstract This paper discusses the Xhosa people, who are Black Africans who live in the Republic of South Africa, mainly in Ciskei and Transkei in the Eastern Cape areas. It looks at the history of the people and the political situation they find themselves in, particularly the suffering that was brought on them by the apartheid system. The paper also briefly looks at Nelson and Winnie Mandela and their roles among the people. Finally, the paper discusses the culture and cultural practices of the Xhosa people.
Table of Contents:
History
Political Situation
The National Suicide of the Xhosa People
Culture
Identity
Language
Customs
Clothing
Marriage
Religion
Christianity Among the Xhosa
Cultural Practices
Cooperative Labor and Beer-Drinking
Creativity in Ceramics
Beadwork Singing
Conclusion
From the Paper "The Xhosa people were a historically oppressed race by the apartheid system. The inhumane-ness of the system was graphically demonstrated by the struggles and extreme miseries of its heroic leaders Nelson and Winnie Mandela and the people themselves duped into starvation in 1856. Yet they are a people with their own distinct and rich culture. The Xhosa people cherish their own identity as a race, language, customs, clothing, religion, marriage observances and cultural practices. These cultural practices reveal that identity, the experience of oppression and aspirations, which cannot and should not be ignored. Their value of work includes rewarding themselves for their labor through beer parties, a form of socialization. The wounds of oppression and misery find their way into art forms, such as ceramics, beadwork and song. A race, which produced heroes like Nelson and Winnie Mandela, and turns out excellent and deeply meaningful art works, deserves recognition and appreciation from the rest of the world. Their creative talents should be strongly encouraged in achieving their own aspirations as a distinct and valued people."
