Ubuhle Women

Beadwork and the Art of Independence

AVAILABLE

10/2024 - 6/2025

Ubuhle Women is an extraordinary exhibition that cannot be captured in images - it must be experienced in person. The intricate beadwork, created over thousands of hours, shimmers in the light, reflecting the depth and presence of each piece. You will also receive a vivid introduction to the impressive women who create them, first in the beautiful portraits by photographer Zanele Muholi, and then as they tell their stories through their artwork. Organized by the Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum, Ubuhle Women: Beadwork and the Art of Independence celebrates the beauty and power of South African beadwork, and the women who raised it to a high art.

Artist Portraits: Zanele Muhloli, Bev Gibson and Ntombephi “Induna” Ntobela, April 2013. © Zanele Muhloli / Ubuhle Artists; Zanele Muhloli, Portrait of Ntombephi Ntobela, April 2013. © Zanele Muhloli / Ubuhle Artists; Zanele Muhloli, Portrait of Thando Ntobela, April 2013. © Zanele Muhloli / Ubuhle Artists; Zanele Muhloli, Portrait of Zandile Ntobela, April 2013. © Zanele Muhloli / Ubuhle Artists; Zanele Muhloli, Portrait of Nonhlakanipho Mndiyatha, April 2013. © Zanele Muhloli / Ubuhle Artists; Zanele Muhloli, Portrait of Zondlile Zondo, April 2013. © Zanele Muhloli / Ubuhle Artists.

Image Captions: Tshengi Duma, Sthembile Majola, Nontanga Manguthsane, Nonhlakanipho Mndiyatha, Kalipha Ntobela, Ntombephi Ntobela, and Thembani Ntobela, The African Crucifixion, 2008, glass beads sewn onto fabric