PLAY, RITUAL AND INSPIRATION

The Play, Ritual and Inspiration exhibition opening this evening at the Tatham Art Gallery in Pietermaritzburg comprises a selection of child figures (often referred to a ‘dolls’) from the Phansi Museum collection.

Women from across Southern Africa, including those from the amaZulu, baSotho, baPedi, xiTsonga, amaXhosa, Ovahimba and Uvambo communities, skilfully and inventively create these figures. Dating from the mid-20th century until contemporary times, some were used in rituals around the maturation and courtship of young women while others were made as purely decorative objects or to sell. All engage the imagination and speak about self-representation.

This collection forms part of the extensive African artefact collection of the Phansi Museum, put together by Durban architect Paul Mikula and now administered by his son Max. The museum is a non-profit organization, based in Roberts House, a fully restored Victorian National Monument in Glenwood, Durban.

A relevant book on dolls, recently completed by Frank Jolles, is on sale at the Tatham Shop. It is called African Dolls - The Dulger Collection (Barnes & Noble, 2011).

Play, Ritual and Inspiration the Phansi Museum Collection of Southern African Child Figures runs in the Ceramics Room at the Tatham Art Gallery in Pietermaritzburg until July 29 at 17h00.