Communing with ancestors

Artworks like Maswanganyi’s Skeleton and Man (1990-1993), represent beliefs but are not part of social activites related to those beliefs. Other artworks play an important part enacting beliefs, and are valued for their beauty and careful manufacture.

For example, an ukhamba (singular) is a vessel for drinking umqombothi (Zulu beer) that is brewed by women and believed to be the food of the ancestors. Umqombothi is served in izinkamba (plural) at Zulu social gatherings of all kinds. Traditionally, a drink is offered to the ancestors first, and then the ukhamba is passed around from person to person. Historically among isiZulu speakers, clay pottery was a woman’s art form passed down from mother to daughter. Nesta Nala’s Ukhamba (11.01.2004) includes characteristic decorative patterns, made by engraving. The black colour of the beer pots, created by firing the pots more than once, is intended to please the ancestors, who are believed to be drawn to darkness and quiet.

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Do you connect with members of your family who have passed on? If yes, in what ways do you connect with them?