Symbolism
A lot of the art made by the Zulus is practical. Meaning that they use them in their everyday lives. The most common material for creating their artwork is with beads. Beads were used for making every single type of clothing and accesories. From skirts to necklaces. Although the creations that were made using the beads were to decorate the zulu people and zulu crafts. The designs and colour of the beads all had a different meaning.
The most typical design was a simple triangle. Triangles had properties of having 3 corners and they represented the Father, Mother and Child.
The most typical design was a simple triangle. Triangles had properties of having 3 corners and they represented the Father, Mother and Child.
There are certain types of accessories only to express a single feeling to a certain someone. For example, there is a necklace called ‘ibheqe’ this necklace is sent and made from the wife and given to the husband. The wife will input the different coloured beads to show her feeling towards the husband. There are feelings from signifying a broken heart and giving concern that their love is withering away.
Another well-known token is the ‘Ucu’, this necklace is a very simple, it is made of a 5 metre beaded string that is worn around the neck. This token is equivalent to a engagement ring but it is a necklace.
Another well-known token is the ‘Ucu’, this necklace is a very simple, it is made of a 5 metre beaded string that is worn around the neck. This token is equivalent to a engagement ring but it is a necklace.
Baskets
Baskets are another form of art craft in Zulu art. These baskets are made from various materials from dried grass to old telephone wires. These baskets were mostly used for storage, transporting and drinking vessels.
Each basket would have different patterns and styles each having contrasting meanings. Larger baskets are usually made from the women and generally given to couples as a gift. During weddings, these baskets are used to hold the ceremonial beer. In some cases, large baskets can take over a year to weave but other sized baskets can take days to months.
Depending on what type of basket it is, there are two types of lids. The ‘Ukhambas’, a lid that fits inside the top and the ‘Isichumo’, which fits over the top.
Each basket would have different patterns and styles each having contrasting meanings. Larger baskets are usually made from the women and generally given to couples as a gift. During weddings, these baskets are used to hold the ceremonial beer. In some cases, large baskets can take over a year to weave but other sized baskets can take days to months.
Depending on what type of basket it is, there are two types of lids. The ‘Ukhambas’, a lid that fits inside the top and the ‘Isichumo’, which fits over the top.
The most common patterns on baskets are :
-Checkerboards, Whirls or Circles - good news, new baby, good rains
-Triangle - masculine symbol
-Diamond - feminine Zig-Zag - represents spear of Shaka
-Series of Diamonds - shields of Shaka
-Diamond with triangle points - Wedding baskets
-Checkerboards, Whirls or Circles - good news, new baby, good rains
-Triangle - masculine symbol
-Diamond - feminine Zig-Zag - represents spear of Shaka
-Series of Diamonds - shields of Shaka
-Diamond with triangle points - Wedding baskets