Iziqhaza

This is an image of different Iziqhaza.

 This is an image of Iziqhaza which are earplugs that are used by Zulu people and I’m currently working on creating one with horn and silver to match with my horn cup.

Miss SA Crown

This is the new Miss SA Crown made by Nungu Diamonds.

The Miss South Africa crown is a coveted award presented to the pageant winner, symbolizing their triumph.
In 2023, the pageant unveiled the Mowana crown by Nungu Diamonds, adorned with 800 stones and cubic zirconia, the largest gem weighing 15 carats. 

It exudes elegance and is a creation by the renowned South African jewellery braThe crown is more than a decorative accessory; it marks the champion's status.

 The winner assumes a prestigious role, attending events as the reigning Miss South Africa, showcasing their accomplishment and elevated standing in society.

Championship Ring

 

The LGBTQ bracelet

 

DeathRow Records

 

DeathRow Chain

This is a DeathRow Chain.

Death Row Records is a renowned American music label established in 1991.

 

It became a pivotal platform for hip-hop legends like 2Pac, Snoop Dogg, and Dr. Dre, shaping the genre's landscape. Artists signed with Death Row received distinctive chains as a symbol of affiliation.

 

The label's unique approach and association with iconic artists made it a cultural phenomenon, leaving an indelible mark on the history of hip-hop.

 

LGBTQI+ Bracelet

This is a LGBTQ+ pride bracelet.

 

The LGBTQ+ bracelet is a symbolic accessory made from various colored strings, representing the rainbow.

 

Inspired by artist Gilbert Baker's vision, the bracelet embodies pride for the gay community, utilizing the beauty and diversity of the rainbow's colors as a symbol of LGBTQ+ identity.

 

Wearing the bracelet transcends specific sexual orientations; it symbolizes inclusivity for individuals identifying as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or still exploring. Additionally, allies supporting the LGBTQ+ movement can wear the bracelet to express solidarity and support.

 

Championship Ring

This a Championship Ring belonging to a NFL team called The Baltimore Ravens.

A Championship Ring is a coveted and opulent piece of jewelry presented to the triumphant team in North American professional sports leagues.
 
Crafted from luxurious materials such as gold and embellished with diamonds, these rings serve as symbols of the team's victory in their respective sport.

Championship Rings hold immense prestige, signifying the pinnacle of success in sports. Beyond adornment, they stand as tangible testaments to the team's dedication and achievement, becoming cherished mementos for players and fans alike.

Ucu (AIA)

 

Ucu

This is an image of Ucu.

Ucu is a traditional Zulu engagement ring crafted from white beads and a string. This cultural adornment holds profound significance within the context of engagement ceremonies. During this ceremonial event, a woman bestows the Ucu upon her suitor, symbolizing her acceptance of his proposal for a romantic relationship.

In instances where the woman is maintaining her virginity, a distinctive custom unfolds. She employs the assistance of fellow virgin maidens to deliver the Ucu to the man on her behalf. This practice arises from the societal norms that restrict her from directly interfacing with her prospective partner until certain conditions are met. This distinctive approach adds an extra layer of ceremonial depth to the proceedings.

The presentation of Ucu to the man conveys not only the woman's affirmation of the relationship but also augments his status within his social circle and the broader community. This revered act becomes a visible declaration that someone has chosen him, imbuing him with an elevated reputation among his peers and community members.

 

Isibamba (AIA)

 

Isibamba

This is an image of Isibamba

Isibamba is a meticulously crafted belt, intricately composed of beads and woven grass, traditionally donned by Zulu women. This particular accessory holds significance within the context of Zulu culture, exclusively adorning the waists of married women who have also embraced the role of motherhood. 

During pregnancy, the Isibamba takes on an additional purpose, providing essential support to the expanding abdomen and the weight it carries. It's important to note that the Isibamba transcends mere ornamentation; rather, it serves as a potent symbol of marital union.

Hence, its wearing is restricted to married women, with the underlying cultural norms dictating that unmarried women are not eligible to wear this emblem of matrimony.

 

Isicholo (AIA)

 

Isicholo

This is an image of Isicholo

The Isicholo is a unique hat crafted from grass, string, pigment, and human hair. It holds cultural significance as it was traditionally sewn onto a bride's hair, symbolizing a commitment that could not be undone until the hat naturally deteriorated and required reworking. 

This practice ensured that even in the husband's prolonged absence, the wife remained bound by her marital status, visually portraying her commitment. While the shapes and sizes of the Isicholo may vary across different clans, its unmistakable presence upon a woman's head serves as an immediate indicator of her married status.

Umqhele (AIA)

 

Umqhele weNkosi

This is an image of the late Zulu king Zwelithini wearing Umqhele.

Umqhele, a C-shaped crown or headring in Zulu culture, is crafted using a string and animal skin. It's a common headpiece worn by both men and boys, but there's a distinction between versions worn by regular individuals and kings.

Regular umqhele features animal skin sewn around the structure, while the king's umqhele is adorned with leopard skin (known as ingonyama) to reflect their royal status. Additionally, the king's umqhele is embellished with feathers from the Igwalagwala bird (Turaco), symbolizing royalty. Due to the bird's association with kingship, these feathers are reserved for exclusive use by royalty.

Amajongo

This is an image of Amajongo during a photo shoot.

These are Amajongo and they’re a part of the subculture created by Zulu men. This is a culture of dressing up in similar clothes and emphasising being clean and also smelling good. Being Ijongo is a lifestyle which involves clothes, cars, guns, houses and livestock, and you are easily recognised by the way you dress up that you are part of the culture. Everyone can be part of this culture but it is often said that “kuyabiza ukuba ijongo” which means it’s expensive to be a Jongo and this is because of the lifestyle.

 

Indlondlo enophaphe ekhanda

This is the image of the Zulu people the late King Zwelithini .

 This is the late Zulu king Zwelithini ka  and he was called indlondlo enophaphe ekhanda which roughly means the mamba with a feather on the head. This can be seen in the picture above where he is wearing umqhele with a feather. According to the Zulu culture he is the only one who can wear that feather since he is the king of all the Zulu people. This signifies his status within the Zulu culture and community.

Reflection (AIA)

Last semester was challenging due to the introduction of confusing concepts. The new blogging concept was unfamiliar, and its significance remained unclear. Despite this, the manufacturing aspect caught my interest, while designing and writing posed difficulties. My plan is to blend traditional and modern designs, incorporating new techniques. I aim to emphasize CAD and precision in my designs to convey my ideas accurately. Last semester's display was unsatisfactory, leading Ann-Marie to recommend exploring Nandipha Mtambo's work. Impressed by her technique, I intend to adopt it for my final exhibition display.

Reflection

This an image of the display of the piece that summarised my overall concept.

Last semester was very hard because  lot things that we were introduced to were confusing. The blogging concept was new to us so the importance of it was something that we did not understand. The thing that I found interesting was the manufacturing part of things, designing and writing was something I found hard to do. 

The plan is to merge the old with the new in terms of designs  and also the techniques that I use. I want to focus more on CAD and setting in most of my designs because that how I want to introduce my ideas in an accurate way. The display was not good last semester so Ann-Marie Suggested I look at Nandipha Mtambo's work and I liked it so I am going to try the technique she uses for my final exhibition display.