ALT EXAMPLE - ONLINE LEAFLET - ARDMORE - Flipbook - Page 13
Giraffe Dynasty
Thulani Mtungwa has skilfully modelled this elegant Giraffe Vessel
that tells a story. Cape hunting-dogs are packing at the base of
the vessel, preparing themselves to take down a new born baby
giraffe. Thulani has skilfully sculpted the elegant adult giraffes’
necks as handles and their legs are already kicking in defence mode
anticipating what is about to take place.
Thulani obviously knows that a giraffe’s kick is powerful and often
fatal.Story telling is an important part of Zulu culture and our Ardmore
artists play out their thoughts and stories through clay just like when
they were young boys andwould tend their fathers’ cattle and make
toys from river clay.Elvis Mkhize has emphasised the elegance of this
vessel by painting tall grasses as motifs using rust, yellows and grey
tones. All dynastie’s survival depends on a family strength, protection
and blood ties, and a mother’s love is a life force second to none.
These two artists have achieved an elegant and meaningful work of
art fit to take pride of place on our exhibition
