Beauty Ngxongo
Bambizulu
Basketweaver
Hlabisa, South Africa
The serene patterns of tradition
- Beauty creates tightly coiled baskets with a distinctive style
- She collects her grasses and palm fibres in nature, and prepares them for weaving herself
- Her daughter and grand-daughter work with her to support the survival of this craft
Beauty Bathembile Ngxongo hand weaves intricate, tightly coiled baskets using ilala palm and river grass. From gathering and preparing the natural fibres and dyes to weaving every stitch, her entire process depends on nature and on respecting it. "Without nature, my craft cannot survive," she shares. Through each of her baskets, Beauty carries forward knowledge that has been passed down through generations. The shape, colours and patterns for every basket begin long before she starts weaving. Her patterns are based on existing traditions, or sometimes from her dreams. "I begin the weaving process only once I have completely imagined the finished basket," she says. Keen to teach her craft to ensure the survival of inherited traditions, Beauty has shared her knowledge with her children and grandchildren, and continues to teach others.
Discover her work
INTERVIEW
My weaving technique is distinctive. Many weavers simply push the needle through the coiled grass, but I first make a small opening and then carefully thread the palm strip through that opening before pulling it through. I repeat this process with every stitch. It is a slower method that requires patience, precision and consistency, but it creates the tightly coiled structure and fine finish that my work is known for.
Every material I use comes from the natural environment. I carefully harvest the ilala palm, taking only what is needed so that the plant can continue to grow and regenerate. I walk through the bush to collect the river grass. I also gather berries, bark and other natural materials from the forest to create traditional dyes by cooking them over fire.
Yes. I believe when you create something with intention and genuine love, people can see and feel it. Every basket I make carries the care, patience and attention that I put into it. I hope that when people look at my work, they recognise not only the craftsmanship, but also the love and dedication that went into making it.
Teaching alone is not enough. I believe we all have a responsibility to keep our traditions alive. People must also recognise the value of this craft and appreciate what it represents. When they understand its cultural importance and see that it can create opportunities and livelihoods, they become willing to carry the tradition forward. That is how our weaving heritage will endure.
Beauty Ngxongo
Bambizulu
Basketweaver
Hlabisa, South Africa
ADDRESS
Address upon request, Hlabisa, South Africa
AVAILABILITY
By appointment only
LANGUAGES
Zulu
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