researchlimpopo.com
Documentation of Pedi Culture
The Mogalakwena Craft Art Development Foundation (MCADF) was founded in 1994 by Elbé Coetsee. The aims of the foundation are to develop the intrinsic cultural skills and to create employment for women living in a remote part of the Limpopo Province. Today, more than thirty craft artists are employed by the Foundation.
MCADF's creative hub is situated twenty kilometers upstream from the confluence of the Mogalakwena and Limpopo rivers, at the Mogalakwena Craft Art Village. The Mogalakwena Craft Art Village is within walking distance of the neighbouring villages under the rule of chief Kibi in the Blouberg district of Limpopo. This area is home to more than 1m Sepedi speaking people.
With the introduction of electricity and cell phone reception during 2006, this remote area stands on the threshold of urbanization. The local culture reflects a stark contrast between modern urban and traditional rural values. The strong interplay between the two cultures provides a fertile environment, in which the local contemporary Pedi culture can be traced to its historical origins. It is furthermore a clear cue to the imminent amalgamation of the traditional Pedi culture with contemporary Western culture.
During 2000 the Foundation started documenting local Pedi culture. Recording this rich cultural heritage in such a remote region is essential, given that it is an oral culture. Moreover, the majority of people is illiterate and cannot record their culture in writing. However, their oral memory endures in their habits, customs, skills and craft. MCADF believes that this documentation is essential as it recognizes and showcases the indigenous knowledge and heritage of this unique culture.
MCADF's Pedi crafters record their culture by creating not only traditional artefacts, but also applying their traditional skills to create contemporary craft art. Amongst these are embroidered panels depicting traditional rites, customs as well as everyday life in the rural villages. These works thus celebrate the revival of traditional Pedi skills in a contemporary context.
MCADF employs the following methods of documentation to study and record oral memory:
> Observing and recording daily routines such as: collecting wood, making fire, fetching water, shopping, and visiting the local clinics. Images depicting these routines are hand drawn and then hand-embroidered and painstakingly recorded in writing by two of the craft artists with basic Pedi literacy skills. Craft artists who cannot read or write embroider the text. Mapula Mphago, a resident from Ramaswikana Village, who is literate in English, Sepedi and Afrikaans, translates the Sepedi text.
> Recording customs and skills: rites of passage, traditional herbal medicine, traditional dress, traditional dance, musical instruments, drumming, and songs. Images depicting these customs are hand drawn and then hand-embroidered. Again two of the craft artists with basic Pedi literacy skills painstakingly record these hand-embroidered panels in writing. Mapula Mphago, a resident from Ramasfikana Village, who is literate in English, Sepedi and Afrikaans, translates the Sepedi text.
> Documenting indigenous craft skills, including: (a) plant sourcing & basket weaving techniques; (b) clay sourcing, digging and pottery skills; (c) beading, including beaded sculptures & fertility figures; (d) embroidery; (e) candle making; (f) woodcarving (g) creating wire cars. All these skills are practiced at Mogalakwena Craft Art Village and documented through photographs and/or video recordings and/or accompanied text.
Documenting the Pedi culture in this way, records this unique cultural heritage; preserves its indigenous knowledge, as well as showcases innovative creativity. This project not only reflects the pride of Pedi people, but also celebrates the richness of our South African culture, as well as the African continent.
© 2010 by Mogalakwena Group