An exhibition titled Izinduku Namawisa by Micheal Mpungose, Obed Zulu and Ciaphus Nxumalo will be held in the BAT Centre’s Menzi Mchunu Gallery over the festive season.

Izinduku namwisa (sticks and shields) - African men's proud possessions - from the Nguni to the Zulu peoples, sticks and shields have been passed down throughout history in African tribes. From father to son, from battlefield to ceremonial grounds, they play a major part in ritual celebrations, are used for protection, physical support and even fashion statements.

The exhibition at the BAT Centre will showcase both the old and the modern stick. The three artists will exhibit sticks and shield handmade from wood, depicting their own styles of making traditional sticks. Coming from different corners of Zululand, they are influenced by their communities’ tribal styles but show the development of this ancient craft that has been influenced by social changes over the years.

Izinduku namwisa opens on December 4 at 18h00 and will run until January 5.