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Ukhamba
Zulu Creations carries an extensive collection
of pots made by the Nala family, who through
many accolades bestowed on Nesta Nala, have
become world renowned. These finely crafted
pieces are made in the remote part of KwaZulu-Natal,
deep in the Thukela valley. At first glance,
Nesta's work seems to be very similar to that
of other local potters, yet closer inspection
reveals remarkable innovations. Although the
ware is shaped and blackened like traditional
Zulu beer vessels, they differ in size, surface
refinement and decoration.
N00001
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| Artwork: |
Uphiso |
| Artist: |
Jabu
Nala |
| Region: |
Zululand |
| Description: |
Burnish
pot |
| Size: |
33cm
x 38cm |
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The
decoration on her work is said to be inspired
by the motifs on iron-age pot shards shown
to her by a local archeologist. She uses both
incised and raised decoration on her pots
displaying an artistic 'bravura' to her work.
Often she uses figurative motifs (fish, shields,
houses) seldom seen is Zulu ceramics. Thus
the decoration on her work includes a combination
of inherited and inventive motifs.
N00002
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| Artwork: |
Ukhamba |
| Artist: |
Jabu
Nala |
| Region: |
Zululand |
| Description: |
Burnish
Pot |
| Size: |
29cm
x 25cm |
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Nesta
Nala began making pots at the age of twelve
and was taught by her mother, Siphiwe, herself
an acclaimed potter who made beer pots for
local domestic use. From her mother Nesta
learned how to hand coil, burnish and fire
the clays which were dug in the surrounding
area. Nesta has in turn passed the pot-making
tradition on to her daughters, Jabu, Thembi
and Zanele. Each daughter also has her own
particular style and the Nala's all sign their
work - a feature which is foreign to Zulu
potters. This indicates how the family have
equated western values of art to their works.
N00003
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Further,
western standards of… since Nesta was invited
to represent South Africa on the Cairo International
Biennial for Ceramics in 1994. She also won
first prize on the 1995 FNB Vita Craft Competition
and National Ceramics Biennial in 1996. Her
work is represented in most South African
Public Collections as well as many private
collections.
N00004
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Currently
the Nala family are producing beautiful
work which is becoming increasingly sought
after by local and overseas collectors.
Jabu has recently visited London and New
York with her work.
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