Knowledge-makers and Indigenous Archivists such as our elders, indigenous craft makers, okanye imbongi help build and maintain deep constructivism kwaXhosa, shaping how our histories continue to unfold. Through practice, collaboration, interaction, and education they guide our everyday encounters with indigenous knowledges acting as living remnants of our ancestry. Ancient knowledges are freely offered to us (children/community members kwaXhosa) as if one is being given a set of keys to their personal freedom. Mama Jilingisa is an Everyday Knowledge-Maker. Her wisdom and knowing of instimbi (traditional beadwork) and it’s many histories sets her apart as a sacred/important member of the community as she boldly advocates for skills and knowledges that have begun to loose their significant meanings. Her passions for her community (people and practices) has resulted in her being a sought after teacher. In her many workings, uMama teaches on the history, making and meaning of iintsimbi (beadwork) to community children, other crafters while championing for social development in her village. Yonke into iyathetha. Netsimbi le iyathetha.
Here with uMama Jilingisa we re-construct the meanings, filling in the gaps to reveal the intergenerational narratives that are situated in the art of iintsimbi. Before they adorn the body as decorative pieces, they come to reveal ritual/sacred threads that connect us to our long past.
Community contributors
The James Family
Mrs Kutazwa James
The community yaku Gatyana
Willowvale Arts Center and with special thanks to the Art Center Manager, Lukhanyo Muluse
Azola Krweqe
Ms Nobuhle James
Mrs Nokhaya Jilingisa
Willowvale Makers Co-op
Mr Mangaliso Jafta
Special thanks to the production team:
Executive Producer - Bongani Tau
Content Advisor - Sihle Sogaula
Graphic Designers - 2DOTS Space Agency
UN/FOLDING_RE/FOLDING_FOLDED is nestled under THE FOLD – a creative and collaborative research project led by the African Fashion Research Institute in partnership with Creative Nestlings Foundation for the New Narratives Programme 2023