Dressed for the Dance
ClassificationsPaintings
Culture
Zulu
Date2023
Made AtKwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa, Africa
MediumGlass beads on cotton
DimensionsFramed: 43 × 67 5/16 × 2 in. (109.2 × 171 × 5.1 cm)
Credit LineBowers Museum Purchase made possible by generous contributions from the Bead Society of Orange County, Bowers Museum Collectors Council, Janis Agopian, and the Marion & John Scott Trust
Object number2023.10.1
DescriptionCattle are culturally significant to the peoples of eastern South Africa and are frequent subjects of the ndwango (beaded artworks) created by Ubuhle, a community of Xhosa and Zulu women artists living and working together in KwaZulu-Natal. This ndwango by Zulu artist Zondlile Zondo is inspired by the Matric Dance that precedes the graduation of South African girls from high school. Due to its large horns, one might expect this Ankole to be a bull, but it is in fact a female. Here the cow’s horns are beautifully dressed as dynamic focal points to the work. To Zondo, they represent a time of joy, excitement, and happiness, but also the strength of a young girl ready to find her place in the world. This captivating piece exemplifies the remarkable talent for beadwork that Zondo has honed over her 15 years with Ubuhle. Elements such as the mesmerizing and distinct patterning applied to both the subject and background, and the artist’s impeccable attention to detail show the degree of mastery that she has developed.
On View
Not on viewCollections
early to mid 20th Century
early 19th Century
1754-1763
