Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Bridget Hilton-Barber
Published on 2024-03-30 05:00:42
The Ribola Art Route in Limpopo is a unique and self-drive guided experience that immerses visitors into the home galleries of Tsonga (Shangaan) and Venda artists around Elim in the Vhembe district. The route gets its name from the distinctive peak that stands out in the Soutpansberg mountains, southeast of Louis Trichardt.
Our guide, Betty Hlongwani, meets us at a bustling crossroads in Elim, where taxis, buses, and the ubiquitous “skorokoro” are a common sight, especially during rush hour. The art route has a rich history, with Venda artists gaining recognition in the 1980s as their work began to be exhibited locally and internationally. These artists, such as Jackson Hlungwani, Philip Rikhotso, and Noria Mabasa, have passed on their skills to a new generation who continue to create and innovate.
The artists along the Ribola Art Route have faced challenges during the Covid-19 pandemic, but initiatives like Love Limpopo have helped to market and promote their work to a wider audience. Visitors to the route have the opportunity to engage in immersive experiences like sculpture workshops, pottery classes, fabric painting, and traditional cooking.
Our first stop along the route is Twananani Textiles in Mbokota village, where traditional crafts like batik-style cloth and block prints are created by local women. The project, which started in 1983, aims to preserve local creative traditions and provide employment for women in the area. Nearby, the Khomanani Preschool shares the same premises, offering care for village children and showcasing traditional murals on its walls.
Next, we visit Pilato Bulala, known for his unique “scrapture” sculptures made from scrap metal. Bulala’s creations are not only artistic but also serve as contemporary commentary, featuring figures like Caster Semenya and Rosa Parks. Despite facing challenges during the pandemic, Bulala continues to create and market his art using social media and modern technology.
Thomas Kubayi, another established artist along the route, impresses us with his wooden sculptures and figures inspired by traditional mythology. Kubayi’s work reflects his deep connection to nature and ancestral spirits, as he forages for wood in the nearby mountains and forests.
David Murathi, a Venda artist and traditional healer, showcases his mythological benches and stylized figures that are inspired by dreams and ancestral spirits. Murathi’s functional art pieces, like hooks and mirror frames, also reflect his unique artistic vision.
Mukondeni Pottery, a women’s empowerment project started in 1977, teaches and preserves local pottery traditions. The project has faced challenges in attracting young women to join and in managing logistical issues, but the skilled artisans continue to produce high-quality pottery that is sought after in homes and hotels across the province.
The Ribola Art Route offers a rich and diverse experience for visitors to explore the unique and vibrant art scene of Limpopo. From traditional crafts to contemporary sculptures, the route showcases the talent and creativity of local artists who are working hard to preserve and promote their cultural heritage.
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