Umalusi (someone responsible for livestock)
Ceramics
38 cm x 20 cm x 20 cm
Artist’s Statement
My ceramic piece Umalusi is based on my late grandfather’s favourite cow that always gives birth every year. Unlike his other cows, this one was special to him. Naming this piece Umalusi, which is a Xhosa word that refers to a person who looks after animals and takes care of them, brings back memories of me and my siblings, who were the ones looking after my late grandfather’s livestock. It was our duty as young boys.
I chose to work with clay because it allows me to create visual representations in a more permanent and tangible form. In Xhosa culture, red clay holds symbolic meaning of spiritual significance, as it is used in rituals and ceremonies for protection and blessings. It is also used in initiation ceremonies, marking important life transitions and milestones.
This ceramic piece, Umalusi, is centred around sharing information about Xhosa culture and my livelihood as a young boy who grew up in villages. As an artist, I am committed to using my work to share the stories and values of my culture and community, and I am excited to continue exploring the possibilities of ceramic art in this context.
Gallery
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