How is it that a seed planted in early life can be a thread which weaves its way into one's path and becomes a major part of one's life?
In my case, early interest and later a 30 year pre-occupation with African art and craft stemmed from a lecture on Zulu culture given by Dr DK Malcolm, a University of Natal lecturer, one Sunday evening when I was a pupil at Pietermaritzburg Girls High School.
I do not remember much of importance from my boarding school days, but I do remember his lecture. He gave me my first insight into and respect for the traditional culture of Zulu people.
At the age of 16, I bought a doll in Mooi River, where I lived. It was made of a cocoa tin covered with white and some pink beads, with a rag face and beaded, plaited twine hair. It was probably from the Weenen district, where Mooi River farmers had their "labour farms'. I kept the doll, and it is now in the African Art Centre collection.
In about 1955, when I was working at Michaelhouse in Balgowan, I bought a 'love letter' from one of the cooks, which I constantly wore - somewhat to the surprise of the staff of this very English private school. Today I feel guilty about persuading someone to sell me such a personal thing. |