Collection: KwaMagwaza Ceramics

KwaMagwaza Ceramics are produced by the older women of the celebrated family of Magwaza potters who are based in Mpbalane, located a few kilometers upstream of the Middledrift bridge. These fired ceramic vessels are called izinkamba and are used during ceremonial beer drinking. 

The process of making these pots involve digging clay from nearby sources and  transforming them into different kinds of traditional pots, each with varied function. Such function includes serving, storage and as a display for the drinking of sorghum
beer (referred to as umqombothi).

The extended Magwaza family was also assisted by professors, the late Juliet
Armstrong and Ian Calder from the Centre for Visual Art at the the University of KwaZulu-Natal in gaining wider exposure. Both professors hold a strong research background in local ceramic traditions and wished to increase the economic empowerment of rural women. A collaboration took place between Armstrong and the Magwaza potters whereby displays of the Magwaza izinkamba were hosted around the world, a documentary film was produced and examples of their work were collected by museums and galleries for more than two decades. 

Potters in this collection: Bonisiwe Magwaza, Buzephi Magwaza, Thuleleni Magwaza, Thandiwe Magwaza and Zikoti Magwaza.