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DUNGAMANZI / Stirring Waters 05-02-2008

A new and exciting exhibition at the South African National Gallery, Cape Town from the 13th February to 8th is the first to comprehensively celebrate and showcase Tsonga and Shangaan art, some of South Africa's finest traditional art. This groundbreaking exhibition brings an awareness of the richness of creativity found in the Limpopo Province and surrounding areas. With the input of Billy Makhubule, who collected many of the contemporary bead pieces, this exhibition and its accompanying catalogue create a 'living archive.'

EXHIBITION CONTENT: Headrests, staffs, figures and snuff containers are the material record of a complex and dynamic period in South Africa's past. Originating largely in Mozambique and consolidating partly in response to the social disruption of the mining industry and the homeland policy of the apartheid government, Tsonga and Shangaan people mobilised in difficult political, economic and social circumstances to forge distinct artistic styles and cultures.

The exhibition shows earlier and more contemporary carvings including some of the most outstanding headrests from the southern sub-continent, the spectacular outfits of diviners from the region and contemporary beadwork.

The exhibition is open daily Tuesday to Sunday from 10a.m. to 5p.m. at the Johannesburg Art Gallery, King George Street, Joubert Park, Johannesburg. Tel: +27(0)11 725 3130.

CATALOGUE: The catalogue, edited by curator Nessa Leibhammer, features Tsonga and Shangaan art, culture and heritage. It tracks the history of these cultural groups through essays and a wealth of images. The full-colour book showcases some of South Africa's most treasured heritage.

Price: R280.00 Please send orders to: