(Johannes Maswanganye’s “Face of a Sangoma”
Phansi
Museum’s first major exhibition of 2018 takes a closer look at the beauty,
magnificence and mystery of the art of the izangoma and their role as the
healers and conduits to the spiritual world.
The
izangoma are considered to be of the most respected members in their
communities and play a significant role in the lives of many, probably the
majority of people living in South Africa. Equivalent to the same people
working in similar fields in the humanities, for example doctors, ministers and
priests which are sadly rich with opportunities for quacks, con-artists
money-grabbers and naysayers.
Regrettably,
most of the research and writing done on the indigenous practices of the
izangoma and the izinyanga (herbalist) undermine this mystical art with horror
stories of spells, witchcraft and body-parts putting aside that they themselves
live in a world of star-signs and tea leaves all the way through to the
conspiracy theories of the pharma industry. The art of the izingoma is synonymous
with beauty and creativity. With this exhibition, Phansi takes a look at the
other side, at the tools of transformation, how beauty can heal, how medicines
can repair and how the izangoma guide and direct their patients to believe in
their own power and their ability to heal.
At the
exhibition visitors will come face to face with magnificent beaded and
embroidered textiles, beaded mats and hairpieces and by medicine containers in
all sizes and shapes that celebrate their mysterious content with beads and
other adornments - all using their own persuasive avenues such as brand names,
perfume bottles and money belonging to the other worlds around us.
The
isangoma and inyanga, often one and the same person in the community, is the
go-to help person when there is something troubling you; be that physical,
psychological, fear or pain.
The
izangoma are not employed or in business – they are called and this is their
art, ubuntuArt – This is their art, ubuntuArt. It is remarkable
The
exhibition runs until April 30, 2018. Phansi Museum is situated at 500 Esther
Roberts Road, Glenwood in Durban. Contact Sharon Crampton on 031 206 2889 or
email admin@phansi.com or visit www.phansi.com
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