‘I am supportive of projects that re-dress a very valuable part of our South African Cultural Heritage. The Dungamanzi / Stirring Waters exhibition deals with issues of heritage, identity and culture in a very user-friendly and accessible way, enabling discussion on current issues. The publication provides a resource of value to learners, students and academics.’ Mr Msengi, Tribal Authority, Giyani District

Dunga Manzi / Stirring Waters features Tsonga and Shangaan art, culture and heritage, and accompanies an exhibition of the same name at the Johannesburg Art Gallery. It tracks the history of these cultural groups through essays and a wealth of images of material culture and art. Divided into four sections, the catalogue first highlights the histories of the Tsonga and Shangaan, including a personal narrative of the Makhubele family. The second section explores the magnificent beading tradition and the third, the complex legacy of woodcarving from the late nineteenth century to contemporary times. The historical trajectory as well as the spectacular attire and equipment of sangomas, also known as traditional healers and diviners, form the subject of the fourth and last section.

This full-colour book showcases some of South Africa’s most treasured heritage, aiming to make readers aware of the high degree of artistic skill that exists in South Africa today – as it did in the past.

With the Johannesburg Art Gallery