Umnikelo

Snelihle Asanda MAPHUMULO (Gqeberha)

Umnikelo

Mixed media

18-part installation: 80 cm x 135 cm

Umnikelo is a self-directed body of work that speaks to the changes that occur in the positionality of women in the Zulu culture. The wax plates signify the fragility of the matriarchal roles in the Zulu homesteads as women are constantly having to “stand in the gap” for men. These plates also represent the act of endless serving that women must endure in families. This “serving” (ukunikela) is seen as an important part of the Zulu ceremonies as it shows the responsibility of women in the Zulu culture. This notion of serving is hinted at in the concave traditional trays used to serve meals for men. The sheep hides represent the characteristics of sheep similar to women, which are submissive, intelligent and fragile. The hides speak of the animal sacrifices that my great-grandfather had to make and the importance of these ceremonies. The stack of wax plates symbolizes the endless number of people who come to ceremonies that need to be served. These crates not only stand for the excessive beer consumption in the ceremonies but also as a structure that men sit on while they feast in traditional settings. The hides speak of the animal sacrifices that my great-grandfather had to make and the importance of these ceremonies. Most of the women in my family are usually behind the planning of the ceremonies. The stack of wax plates symbolizes the endless amount of people who come to ceremonies that need to be served.