Notes

This item was made in the 1950s in Lebowa, near Groblersdal. The house represented on the phephetu is the house that the maker aspires to make. The item is made from a hard material to ensure that it rests steadily on the lap of the woman using it as a hard and steady surface to work on, for example, to do beadwork on.

In Ndebele culture, a young girl entering puberty traditionally receives a stiff, beaded apron crafted by her mother or grandmother. This garment, often made from hardened leather or canvas, symbolizes her unmarried status and is worn until marriage. The beadwork on this apron typically reflects the aspirations her family holds for her future, such as depictions of modern homes or urban landscapes, indicating hopes for a prosperous life. The colours, patterns, and bead types used in these aprons vary across regions and time periods, reflecting the dynamic nature of Ndebele beadwork traditions. The incorporation of vibrant Czech glass beads, introduced through European trade, has become a hallmark of this intricate art form.