shloboe boe
Faith Ndlovu, Sunday Life Reporter
AN assorted collection of cultural heritage items that showcases the rich history of the metropolitan Bulawayo is on display on the pavement adjacent to Large City Hall, and for the city’s residents, it is a common sight that no longer fascinates the eye.
To many a visitor to the city and the many international tourists, however, the artistic side of Africa is boldly showcased at this marketplace through artefacts that speak loudly not only about Zimbabwe but the continent as a whole — a people and a collective culture.
This bustling hub of activity is a testament to the city’s enduring legacy and its people’s unwavering pride in their cultural identity.
The Ndebele people, known for their exceptional craftsmanship, vibrant artistry and resilient spirit, have a long history that dates back to the 19th century. Originally from Zululand- present-day KwaZulu Natal in South Africa, the Ndebele migrated to Zimbabwe in the early 1820s, bringing with them their unique cultural practices, traditions and customs. Today, the Ndebele culture is an integral part of Zimbabwe’s rich cultural tapestry and the Large City Hall marketplace serves as a living museum of sorts, where visitors can experience the sights, sounds and colours of this vibrant culture. From traditional clothing and jewellery to intricately crafted baskets and woodcarvings, the items on sale at the Large City Hall marketplace are a testament to the Ndebele people’s deep connection to their cultural heritage.
Their product range includes a diverse array of traditional items, such as hand-crafted drums, wooden bowls and plates, as well as unique bangles made from animal skins. They also offer beautifully crafted beads, traditional attire made from animal skins and cultural knobkerries, both decorated and undecorated. Their exquisite jewellery pieces reflect the richness of their cultural heritage, showcasing the beauty and craftsmanship of their traditional artistry.
Speaking to Sunday Life, Solomon Ngwenya, one of the vendors said he started his business in 1964, assisting his brother who was already in the trade.
Ngwenya noted that in addition to their local products, they also source items from as far as Malawi and South Africa through sellers who travel to other countries to sell their goods.
“These products are popular among local people who want to show their love for their culture, as well as tourists who are looking for unique souvenirs,” he said.
He emphasised that the prices of their products are negotiable, ranging as low as US$1.
“We do not have fixed prices since we operate in an informal setting, instead, we negotiate with our customers to reach a mutually agreeable price,” he explained.
He said they also offer other products such as book holders, although sales have been impacted by the rise of technology.
“Fewer people are buying book holders nowadays since they store their important documents on their phones and other document holders,” he added.
Their business has taken a new turn as they are now playing supportive role to students who visit them seeking guidance on how to create specific cultural products as part of their school coursework.
“Whether it’s designing traditional beaded bags, crafting drums or creating decorative plates, we are happy to share our expertise and provide hands-on assistance to help them complete their projects and learn more about our rich cultural heritage,” he added.
He admitted that this is not usually done for free, adding that the charges are negotiable.
Thandekile Moyo said they love sharing the Zimbabwean culture with visitors and learning about their cultures in return.
“Our craftwork is a way of connecting with people from other cultures and backgrounds. We believe that cultural exchange is a two-way street and we are always eager to learn from others. Our products are a reflection of our cultural heritage, but they are also a way of reaching out to others and building connections,” she said.
Moyo highlighted that the craftwork provides a source of income for many families in the community.
“We are proud to be part of a community that values tradition and cultural heritage. Our products help to promote cross-cultural understanding and appreciation, and we believe that they have the power to bring people together and build bridges between communities,” she noted.
She said their inspiration comes from the natural world and the beauty of the surroundings as well as the motivation they get from financial gain, especially where tourists are involved.
“We are constantly seeking new ways to innovate and push the boundaries of traditional craftwork. Our products are a reflection of our creativity and our passion for traditional crafts. We believe that craftwork should be functional, beautiful and meaningful. Our goal is to create products that inspire people and bring joy to their lives,” Moyo added.
