Northern Nguni Puppets:

For centuries, oral tradition has recognized the use of puppets, in religious and ritual context, throughout Africa. The earliest written account of African puppet shows dates back to the 17 th century. Dramatic reenactments of heroes, and past historical events, preserve religious beliefs and moral values, encouraging social cohesion while entertaining African youth.

Northern Nguni Male & Female Figures:

Few figures exist from the Southeast Africa region and because of movement and mingling of peoples, establishing a definite origin and use for these art objects is extremely difficult and speculative. The figures that do exist seem to have been made in pairs and come from the Northern Province of South Africa, where initiation was an important rite of passage. Figurative pairs were thought to be associated with initiation schools and used for didactic purposes – to instruct both male and female initiates in social and sexual behavior.

Swazi Baboon Figure:

The baboon has a long history in Swazi oral tradition. One legend traces the baboon back to a time when it carried the Swazi people across a river to their new homeland. There are also many myths that link baboons with sorcerers, witches and tokoloshes (a short, hairy, dwarf-like creature).

Owen Ndou Sculpture:

Owen Ndou was born in 1964 in Gwamasenga, Venda, and currently resides in Hamutsha. He considers his responsibility as an artist to be a communicator to people’s spiritual nature and explores themes dealing with religion, culture and mythology.

This sculpture depicts an African man holding a large python. The python is associated with the Venda creation myth in which the python of the pool of creation, Lake Fundudzi, “vomited forth all animal and human creation from the pool.” The python is also considered to be a healer, and the bringer or withholder of rain, among the Venda.