The beadwork is one way the Ndebele people show differences in status and significance in society, such as adolescence or marriage.
The beadwork is one way the Ndebele people show differences in status and significance in society, such as adolescence or marriage.
Zana Masombuka & Jeff Rakhotso
Zana Masombuka's work explores often features elements of her Ndebele heritage, such as the iconic beadwork. Often a multi-generational practice, it is passed down over the years in the KwaNdebele region of north-eastern South Africa, where traditional practices continue today.
Zana Masombuka's work explores often features elements of her Ndebele heritage, such as the iconic beadwork. Often a multi-generational practice, it is passed down over the years in the KwaNdebele region of north-eastern South Africa, where traditional practices continue today.
Zana Masombuka & Jeff Rakhotso
Known as the "Ndebele Superhero," Masombuka uses her art to spark conversations about culture and identity, often featuring the vibrant, colorful beadwork.
Known as the "Ndebele Superhero," Masombuka uses her art to spark conversations about culture and identity, often featuring the vibrant, colorful beadwork.
Zana Masombuka & John Baloyi
"Nodugwana" is a tribute to Masombuka's grandmother, who raised her as a child and taught her the importance of nature.
"Nodugwana" is a tribute to Masombuka's grandmother, who raised her as a child and taught her the importance of nature.
Zana Masombuka & Imraan Christian
Her project "Namba Skhambe" is the third in a series of mixed media works which explore, among other ideas, how indigenous culture and modernity collide and coexist.
Her project "Namba Skhambe" is the third in a series of mixed media works which explore, among other ideas, how indigenous culture and modernity collide and coexist.
Zana Masombuka & John Baloyi
The title, roughly translated, means "Let us go." In Ndebele culture, cutting hair, as seen in this picture, symbolizes rebirth.
The title, roughly translated, means "Let us go." In Ndebele culture, cutting hair, as seen in this picture, symbolizes rebirth.
Zana Masombuka & John Baloyi
Pictured here is Masombuka's mother, Benzi Mahlangu-Masombuka, a Ndebele historian, wearing traditional beadwork around her head and neck.
Pictured here is Masombuka's mother, Benzi Mahlangu-Masombuka, a Ndebele historian, wearing traditional beadwork around her head and neck.
Zana Masombuka & John Baloyi
Showcasing aspects of shared African spirituality, which connects Africans despite geographical differences, Masombuka says "Umseme Uyakhuluma" is "an invitation to explore the unknown."
Showcasing aspects of shared African spirituality, which connects Africans despite geographical differences, Masombuka says "Umseme Uyakhuluma" is "an invitation to explore the unknown."
Zana Masombuka & Umseme Uyakhuluma
"Isuzungu," her 2020 project, uses themes of isolation and nature to highlight issues around sustainability, indigenous knowledge, and the environment.
"Isuzungu," her 2020 project, uses themes of isolation and nature to highlight issues around sustainability, indigenous knowledge, and the environment.
Zana Masombuka & Umseme Uyakhulum
Masombuka's 2021 project, titled "Umseme Uyakhuluma: A celestial conversation," is an all-African female creative collaboration.
Masombuka's 2021 project, titled "Umseme Uyakhuluma: A celestial conversation," is an all-African female creative collaboration.
Zana Masombuka & Umseme Uyakhulum
The beadwork is one way the Ndebele people show differences in status and significance in society, such as adolescence or marriage.
The beadwork is one way the Ndebele people show differences in status and significance in society, such as adolescence or marriage.
Zana Masombuka & Jeff Rakhotso
The beadwork is one way the Ndebele people show differences in status and significance in society, such as adolescence or marriage.
The beadwork is one way the Ndebele people show differences in status and significance in society, such as adolescence or marriage.
Zana Masombuka & Jeff Rakhotso