Learning the Language of Beads with Hlengiwe Dube
One of the experiences I was most looking forward to on this trip was studying Zulu beadwork with internationally recognized artist and educator Hlengiwe Dube. While planning our travels, we came across one of her lectures at Yale explaining the symbolism and visual language of traditional Zulu beadwork. On a whim, I reached out through social media to ask if she might be available while we were in Durban. To my surprise, she replied yes. What followed was one of the most mea
The Phansi Museum: Preserving Africa’s Cultural Legacy
We traveled to Durban for two specific reasons: to participate in a Zulu beadwork workshop (more on that in my next post) and to visit one of the most remarkable collections of indigenous art I have encountered anywhere in South Africa. The Phansi Museum is unlike any museum we’ve visited on this journey. Located in Durban, Phansi houses one of the world’s most significant collections of southern African indigenous art and craft. Founded by architect and activist Paul Mikula,
