A married woman wears the”ijogolo”, a five-finger shaped apron, after the birth of her first child. She also wears a blanket she wraps around her shoulders called “Nguba”. This blanket is decorated with beads that are milestones to significant events in her life. She also wears a headgear as a sign of respect shown to…
The Ndebeles are known for their house art with distinct colours and patterns. This skill was developed as a result of slavery and oppression they faced. Ironic isn’t it. They therefore used their house paintings as means of communicating with each other. The Boers at that time, who were their masters, saw it simply as…
Here are instructions on how to pre-wash your shweshwe fabric: Firstly, soak the fabric hot water in laundry tub or your bath tub. (DO NOT add detergent for pre-wash). Place in washing machine on Rinse & Spin cycle. Dry and Iron. (You can use a clothes dryer if you have one). Photo: Nomzamo Mbatha…
1. Always wash separately from other clothes or colours. 2. Hand-wash in cold or lukewarm water with a mild detergent. If you must use a washing machine just use the gentle cycle, avoid spinning. 3. Do not tumble dry, instead hang to dry. 4. Iron on the wrong side of the fabric ( you retain…
Shweshwe is the name of the indigo cloth worn by most of Southern Africa. This indigo fabric, which was dyed by the indigofera plant, originated from India and Holland. Four companies produce different Colours of the shweshwe fabric: Indigo – Da Gama Textiles Blue – Three Leopards (Tree cats) Chocolate brown and red – Tootal(Toto)…
Even the kids were not left out of fun. Beautiful!
Beautiful earrings and neck beads at the umhlanga ceremony.
Nothing was left out at the colourful and breathtaking ceremony. It was culture and beauty on display.
