Mthethwa
/M-the-thwa/

Maiden Name: Zulu Tribe (South Africa)

The work presented reflects my knowledge and interpretation of Zulu culture. Not only does the work emphasize form and style, it becomes deeply personal as I draw more aspects on my maiden cultural roots and traditions. It is a strong expression of my life and past as well as the contemporary norms of the Zulu society. My pottery techniques are primarily influenced by the traditional techniques used by the Zulu women, while incorporating methods I have adapted to suit my own practice. I hand-build my works using coiled terracotta clay, a process that connects me to my ancestors, community, and femininity.

The forms reference the human body and express unity within the Zulu community. Once the vessels are shaped and firm, I add surface designs and warts (amasumpa). At the leather-hard stage, the pots are burnished to create a sheen and left to dry completely. When bone dry, the works are fired. Although traditional Zulu pottery is pit-fired using natural materials such as wood, aloes, grass, and euphorbia, some of my pieces are fired in an electric kiln at 900°C.

To fully reveal the subtle effects and nuances of the smoked surface, I smoke fire my vessels. These vessels aim to celebrate African women (women born in Africa), reinforcing the form of a woman through coiling, shape and design. The decorative motifs and sgraffito relate to the beauty and authenticity of each woman. Over the years, my works have evolved from simple to highly decorative and patterned exteriors, similar to a woman adorning herself on her wedding day.

Siwila
/Si-wi-la/

Married Name: Namwanga Tribe (Zambia)

Now a “daughter-in-love” of the Siwila family, my journey has deepened my appreciation for the diversity and resilience of women. All my vessels represent females, their forms reflecting the transformations of a woman’s body after marriage and postpartum, highlighting the physical losses and gains. Inspired by my intercultural marriage, I explore ethnic designs and vibrant patterns, while the wisdom shared by significant women in my life, especially my beloved grandmothers, mother, and “mother-in-love”, continues to shape my work and affirm my celebration of femininity through pottery.