African art is my calling, what is yours?

Lega Statue
These figures are usually owned by high-level members of the Bwami society. Each piece of lega art has a specific meaning and function and is used only by the initiated. These lega statues are referred to as sakimatwematwe (Many-Heads). The story goes that an elephant hunter crosses a river and sees an elephant on the other bank, he goes back to get help from the other hunters but when he returns sees that the elephant has already been killed by the others. In other words, the story shows the importance of being able to see in all directions and to be wise and fair-minded.



Sometimes when we believe so much in what we do, it's hard to find time for our loved ones or for ourselves. We all know how important our families are and also our own health and wellbeing. So, why do we find it so hard to dedicate quality time to our families and ourselves in the same way we do to our jobs and others.

It is such a beautiful and great thing to do, when we dedicate our lives to others and give them our time and energy. We make those others feel loved and cared for. But, how often do we make our loved ones feel just as loved and just as cared for? How often do we take time out to appreciate ourselves?

For the past month, I know that I have seriously concentrated on this piece of machine (my computer). "I have a deadline line to meet, we are re-designing the website and everything has got to be right", I kept telling myself and Jed. I never stopped to ask "at whose expense, have you got to meet those deadlines"? Who will pay the price for me keeping to that deadline? In my case, it was my family and myself. Now that the deadline has passed and I want to spend quality time with my family, I am much too tired to enjoy it. And, I have to wait for Jed to catch up and get off his treadmill!

In Africa the family is very important and we all know the future of our families lies in our children. It therefore, goes without saying that we need to pay special attention in the raising and teachings of our children. If we are to pay the price of feeling tired and worn out then let it be because we have dedicated quality time and energy to our families and loved ones and those others who really need it. Love and appreciate the people in your life while they are around and make sure you don't take them for granted.

Is it a coincidence that since I started writing this article, I have learned that both a customer and a supplier have been unwell? Work-life balance is very difficult for us to achieve. But, if we don't strive to achieve it, we are on our way to a slow death. We can all achieve great things but only when what we do nourishes and feeds our souls. If what we do in our day jobs doesn't live up to that, then find something that you love to create that balance.

I love what I am doing right now in my life. As you know, African art is my passion, it is my calling. Apart from the practicalities of running this business, I really like the opportunity of being able to communicate with people, whether they're customers or not. This is new to me and something that I have learned about myself since doing this business. This aspect, further nurtures my soul. I never knew I had it in me. I am three quarters of the way to surrendering to my calling. How near are you to yours?

In tribal life, one is forced to slow down, to experience the now and commune with the earth and nature. Patience is a must; no one seems to understand the meaning of "hurry up."

- Sobonfu Some

Life, Death, Life after Death?

This piece of art is produced by the Makonde people of southern Tanzania and is called the "Tree of Life" or Ujamaa. It depicts the members of an extended family both past and present generations, supporting each other, around the family ancestor. Emphasing the importance of both unity and continuity.

Earlier today, a dear friend of mine's father passed away. Today, I feel sad and tearful. Sad for my friend, sad for myself. Tears for my friend and tears for myself. I hope this doesn't sound too selfish but that is honestly how I feel. Hearing about this death brings back all the anxieties and fears that I felt when my mother passed away. It makes me recall the death of other loved ones - my brother, my father-in-law, my friend - and all the other lives that you hear that have been lost.

I don't think that anyone can argue that death is not inevitable. We know that it will definitely happen to all of us one day. The exact time, the exact moment that it will happen, we can never tell. However, is that it? Is there life after death? Who prepares us for death? I used to find death so very frightening but I feel much calmer about it now. Why? I am not sure. Maybe it's about time. They say time is a great healer. Over time I have debated and reasoned with myself and others about the issue, so maybe time and being able to talk about it has helped me to come to terms with death.

My relationship with African art, I believe, has helped me with my view on death. In my deepest darkest moments it has filled me with peace. When I don't want to face the outside world, like today, I find solace and comfort in my arts. In African societies, art has been an important and effective tool in solving problems and overcoming adversity. It encompasses the entire cycle of life from birth, to initiation, through to death and the afterlife. Although removed from their African context and placed in my home, African art has been given a new lease of life. It is no longer an empty shell, it now has soul.

An important function of African art is to honour ancestors or family members that have passed away. In African society, even when a member of the family has died they still play an important role in family life and are recognised through rituals.

I believe the loved ones we have lost watch over us and participate in our everyday lives. We need to ensure in every way we can that they still play an important role in our everyday lives.

Thinking of you.

In Celebration of the Women of Africa

The Power comes from women. Even if a man reigns on the throne, one recognizes nevertheless the dignity of the woman as a source of power. It is from her that power emanated.
Banze Mukangala (a luba male office holder)

The 8th March is International Women's Day and although I already know this, I find myself sitting here thinking, a women's life is really tough! We have to be so many things to so many different people and we are expected to balance them perfectly and come out smiling at the other end. Well, I don't know about you but I am exhausted! I have decided that I want to be a man! and have his compartmentalised brain, that can only concentrate on one thing at a time rather than be a woman trying to deal with a multitude of things all at the same time.


When I was growing up, the women that I admired around me, were those that I considered to be very hardworking. They were leaders in their professions. My mother (like most mothers) for instance, was very talented. She was a brilliant chef, a nurse, a cleaner, an accountant, an advisor, a counsellor, a critical friend, a wise woman, and a wife. I admired her dearly and most of all I respected her strength of character.

When I look at the Zulu women of South Africa and the Luba women from the Democratic Republic of Congo, I share the same respect and admiration for them acknowledging the different circumstances, vulnerabilities and the roles they played within their respective societies.

Luba women were important members of their society. In Luba art women were held in high esteem, respected and honoured as spiritual magnates. Female representations were in an array of art forms in a wide variety of poses and contexts. They served as priestesses, political advisers, ambassadors, and also as wives and mothers. In addition to these roles, their bodies served as spirit vessels for deceased males;

Only the body of a woman is strong enough to hold a spirit as powerful as that of a king.

Ngeleka (a Luba male titleholder)

Need I say more?

Zulu women also play an important and crucial role within the nation of the Zulu people. These women are the backbone of the family. They undertake all aspects of domestic life as well as raise the children, look after the elderly and still make money for the family with their skilled artistry. In addition to this they often have to undertake hard manual labour, such as growing crops, looking after livestock and chopping and collecting firewood and water. They do all of this whilst their husbands simply go to work in the cities. Most Zulu women are not allowed to go to work, as it is the belief that a women’s place is in the home. However, this is gradually changing in South Africa and more and more women are going to work in the cities.

Zulu women are renowned nationally and internationally for their weaving of the fabulous beer baskets and bowls. With the help of charitable organisations Zulu women have taken their traditional art and turned it into a means of supplementing their incomes.

There we have it, two examples of the power of women. Did I hear someone say......who needs men?

One is not born beautiful, but rather becomes beautiful over the course of a lifetime.

Luba Proverb