Why do Ndebele Paint their Houses?

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 beautiful art and had no idea they were “encrypted” messages. These messages range from personal prayers to other emotions, social status, protest and marriage.

The patterns and shapes are a very important aspect of the messages passed. They are first drawn with a black outline and filled with colour.

Five main colours are used in Ndebele house art: red, yellow, sky blue, green and pink.

Till today, the women do the house paintings, which are done by hand. These styles of paintings are usually passed down to generations by the women of the house.

A well painted home shows the woman of the house is a good wife and mother.