Artist Database

Ernest Sebolai was born in the early 1950s and grew up in the Skilpadfontein (Marapyane) area, north-east of Pretoria. As a boy, he tended goats and donkeys in the veld with the other boys of the village. According to the artist, they got up to all sorts of mischief including hunting wild birds, rabbits and small buck with home-made slingshots (ketties). He attended the local primary and high schools and excelled at athletics, art and music (he played the guitar, keyboard and accordion). Working at various signage companies enabled him to develop his design skills. His work frequently depicts the traditions, customary attire and special occasions of the Bapedi community of his youth.