Ndebele House Painting, South Africa The tradition of house painting among the Ndebele originated in the mid-nineteenth century, when the Ndebele replaced their grass huts with mud-walled houses. Still used today, the original clay slip finger-painting designs are the only ones said to have any sacred significance. Once painted in mud, the designs were comparatively muted. Today, the women use commercial paints, which last for several years. New motifs depicting airplanes, staircases and lightbulbs have been incorporated into Ndebele art, resulting in a striking visual hybrid that fulfills a decorative function but also has become a fascinating document on the social development and personal aspirations of the Ndebele people. This woman paints the wall of her family compound with a razor blade motif.
Back to gallery