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Sunday, December 21, 2008

South Africa is a fairly large country with many diverse ethnic groups and cultures. In recent years many cultural villages have been developed around the country. These open-air museums afford locals and tourists the opportunity to learn more about the various ethnic groups and their individual traditions and cultures.

A visit to one of these villages allows the tourist the opportunity to experience tribal life while dance groups chant and sing to the rhythmic beat of drums. Stick fighting, traditional dress, beer making and the wonderful African bead-work and other traditional arts and crafts like paintings, wood carving, basket weaving are all on show.

These villages also go a long way towards the economic empowerment of the craftsman in the area as the villages are marketed as tourist attractions that offer an outlet for the sale of their arts and crafts.

The province of Kwazulu Natal where I lived for a number of years is home to the Zulu people, a proud nation with a history of courage and a fighting spirit dating back to the pre-colonial era.

Whilst these villages depict the traditions and culture of a proud people the stark reality of everyday life is a far cry from what is put on show for visitors. Poverty, unemployment and increasing HIV disease are the order of the day. The income from the shows and sale of arts and crafts is important and does benefit the locals.

These fun water colours show some of the day to day life in an African village.



23 comments:

Amy Lilley Designs said...

These paintings are just wonderful...folk art, w/ an African flair...very beautiful depiction of everyday village life...the beauty and purity of the Spirit of these gorgeous folks!

blessings w/ the Holidays and New Year!
Amy

storybeader said...

love your artwork!
♪♫♫Happy Holidays♪♫♫♪

Unknown said...

Hi Caroline, lovely watercolours you are painting. These are so vivid I can nearly hear the sounds.
Merry Christmas,
Petra

Anonymous said...

The colors are beautiful. Love that sense of movement in the first painting.

Ish said...

Happy Healthy Holidays!!!

Anonymous said...

Hello, I wish you and your family a very merry Christmas:)

Unknown said...

Out Of Topic: I just want to say... HAPPY NEW YEAR 2009!!!

From: Brillie
http://luphobia.com/brillie

Anonymous said...

Hello,

These are marvelous paintings. The images are quite vivid and the art work is great. I am happy I discovered this place myself though I don't know why I didn't reach here earlier. I love art, I love paintings and I love life depicted in vibrant colors. Your paintings combine all these. I would like to feature your site at my blog since I believe in spreading work of art. The timeless beauty is immensely captivating! May you do more. Good Luck. Take Care.

L. Venkata Subramaniam said...

Your drawings remind me of Zambia. I lived there 1980-86.

Dwacon said...

I hope to visit one of these days.

Julia said...

Those paintings are beautiful. I really love all the colors. Thanks for sharing!

Anonymous said...

poverty is the main problem in the world.

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2009 Hoping 2009 will be better for Africa, Philippines and the world!!!

From: Pinoy2
http://pinoy2.com

Anonymous said...

I would just like to wish you a Happy New Year!

All the best to you in 2009!

The Fitness Diva

Anonymous said...

Thank you for the beautiful oil paintings. I wish I could have one in my family room... exquisite!

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Latest Blog Post
Three Simple Words...

Unknown said...

First of all may I say - Happy New Year to you!

Secondly, I really like this latest addition of pictures they are so vibrant and alive that I can almost hear the sounds. A really wonderful selection1

Anonymous said...

Enjoy following you blog and like the art. I visited Zula Nayal a couple of years ago and it was the experience of a lifetime. Lovely, gracious people, majestic scenery and many wonderful memories. Thanks for the reminders. To support local crafts plese visit:

http://nandugreen.com

happy New Year to you and yours.
Marlene

Anonymous said...

you have a good posting, i touch by your articles, its describe me about african ethnics, thanks just drop e c and smile today

Anonymous said...

Wow, your painting returns the sunlight and thus you help the snow underfoot to bloom out the miracle of the art colors. Thank you for the warmed heart by your art.

E. James said...

Nice Post, I came here to drop a card but would stay longer to read all of your stuff...

•°°• IcyBC •°°• said...

What wonderful paintings! Your blog caught my attention, and I thoroughly enjoy exploring. Thank you!

Anonymous said...

I interview artists from all over the world. Please pop over if you would like to honour us with your interview... http://theartnetwork.co.uk/wpmu/interviews/about you can see the interviews by following my name url. Would love to have you join some of the great names already there :)

Anonymous said...

Claps for the paintings.

DVArtist said...

I love your art! Simple as that.
Thanks for sharing it with us.
Nicole/Beadwright
http://beadwright.blogspot.com
http://beadwright.etsy.com
http://beadwright.artfire.com
http://nicolecampanella.com