Mncane Nzuza: Traditional Zulu Vessels

douglas dawson

mncane nzuza traditional zulu vessels

traditional zulu vessels Several years ago a remarkable pottery vessel — blackened and with sophisticated interlocking geometric designs — was purchased in a remote area of Kwa-Zulu Natal province in northeast South Africa. Several other similar vessels appeared and eventually the maker was discovered, Mrs. Mncane Nzuza.

Nzuza lives in a traditional kraal in the broad valley of the Tugela river. She is 67 years old and has nine children. She has been making traditional beer vessels, ukhamba, since learning from her grandmother at age 17. We believe that her pots are outstanding among all contemporary Zulu potters.

Traditional Zulu culture is dynamic like all cultures. Much has changed as it morphs with the 21st century. A few Zulu potters have become well-known as artists making pots for the art market. However, potters like Nzuza, who produce traditional vessels for local consumption, face difficult challenges as they age and demand for their work diminishes. This exhibition honors Nzuza as a person and as a potter. She is as remarkable as her work.

Special thanks to David Roberts of Durban, South Africa for his recognition of Nzuza and assisting this gallery in procuring her work. A percentage of proceeds of this exhibition will go to Nzuza.

For more information about how Nzuza makes her extraordinary pots and general information about traditional Zulu ceramics please visit douglasdawson.com.

L–R MNCANE NZUZA UPHISO VESSEL FOR TRANSPORTING LIQUIDS 14×14 IN 35.5×35.5 CM 19091 MNCANE NZUZA UKHAMBA BEER-SERVING VESSEL 14.5×25 IN 36.75×63.5 CM 19238 MNCANE NZUZA UKHAMBA BEER-SERVING VESSEL 11.5×13 IN 29.25×33 CM 18858

douglas dawson

mncane nzuza traditional zulu vessels

MNCANE NZUZA UKHAMBA BEER-SERVING VESSEL 17.5×19 IN 44.5×48.25 CM 18780

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MNCANE NZUZA UKHAMBA BEER-SERVING VESSEL 16×17 IN 40.5×43.25 CM 18782

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MNCANE NZUZA UKHAMBA BEER-SERVING VESSEL 13×15 IN 33×38 CM 18783

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MNCANE NZUZA UKHAMBA BEER-SERVING VESSEL 14.5×16 IN 36.75×40.75 CM 18857

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MNCANE NZUZA UKHAMBA BEER-SERVING VESSEL 11.5×13 IN 29.25×33 CM 18858

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MNCANE NZUZA UKHAMBA BEER-SERVING VESSEL 13×17 IN 33×43.25 CM 18962

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MNCANE NZUZA UKHAMBA BEER-SERVING VESSEL 13×14.5 IN 33×36.75 CM 18963

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MNCANE NZUZA UKHAMBA BEER-SERVING VESSEL 12.5×15 IN 31.75×38 CM 18964

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MNCANE NZUZA UKHAMBA BEER-SERVING VESSEL 13×18 IN 33×45.75 CM 19090

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MNCANE NZUZA UPHISO VESSEL FOR TRANSPORTING LIQUIDS 14×14 IN 35.5×35.5 CM 19091

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MNCANE NZUZA UKHAMBA BEER-SERVING VESSEL 12×15 IN 30.5×38 CM 19099

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MNCANE NZUZA UKHAMBA BEER-SERVING VESSEL 14×17 IN 35.5×43.25 CM 19118

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MNCANE NZUZA UPHISO VESSEL FOR TRANSPORTING LIQUIDS 14×14 IN 35.5×35.5 CM 19119

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MNCANE NZUZA UKHAMBA BEER-SERVING VESSEL 15×25 IN 38×63.5 CM 19237

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MNCANE NZUZA UKHAMBA BEER-SERVING VESSEL 14.5×25 IN 36.75×63.5 CM 19238

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MNCANE NZUZA UKHAMBA BEER-SERVING VESSEL 12×21.5 IN 30.5×54.5 CM 19310

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MNCANE NZUZA UKHAMBA BEER-SERVING VESSEL 15×22 IN 38×56 CM 19311

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MNCANE NZUZA UKHAMBA BEER-SERVING VESSEL 17×15 IN 43.25×38 CM 18781

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MNCANE NZUZA IMBIZA BEER-BREWING VESSEL 18×28 IN 45.75×71 CM 19312

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