Alice Ndwandwa, Tintsaba

Notes

Tintsaba is a project designed to facilitate the financial independence and artistic growth of women from the Hhohho district in rural eSwatini. Founded in 1985 by Sheila Freemantle, Tintsaba began with 12 local women and has grown into a globally recognised name for refined basketry with numerous awards. Jabu Ndwandwe was born in July 1970 in the Mawombe area and started with Tintsaba in 1992.

Sisal is the common name for Agave Sisalana. It can be found in most areas of eSwatini and is regarded as an exotic and invasive weed. Sisal has always been used to make rope, twine, handicrafts, and stockades.

Instead of weaving their usual geometric and symmetrical patterns, these skilled artisans from Tintsaba have experimented with something new. They have taken the enamelware bowl, which holds such resonance within the African home and landscape, as a starting point. The random rust and wear of these discarded bowls, which are often found on the periphery of clean-swept yards of rural homesteads, have been meticulously copied into the sisal medium, sparking a dynamic conversation around traditional artistry, history, and material culture.