Nhunguvani (Small Kneeling Figure)

Previously, a Fine Arts professor at the University of South Africa, Dr Rayda Becker spent from 1988 to 2001 as senior Art Curator at the University of the Witwatersrand, Art Galleries in Johannesburg. During her time at Wits Art Galleries, she completed her Doctoral Thesis entitled Tsonga headrests: the making of an art history category, which was published in 1999. While her specific research area focused on the headrests made by Tsonga carvers, Rayda developed a real affinity for all things Limpopo Province, figurative sculpture, medicine gourds, Nhnghuvani, carved stoppers with heads as their tops, and Tsonga beadwork.

She also formed deep friendships with some of the artists from the former Venda and Gazankulu areas, namely Jackson Hlungwani, Julius Chauke, Johannes Maswanganyi, Dr Phuthuma Seoka, Nelson Mukhuba, and Noria Mabasa, among others, and often conducted field trips to their homes for research while at Wits Art Museum.

This curated selection of items from Rayda’s collection includes two Angels by Jackson Hlungwani, whom she accompanied to an exhibition at the Watari Museum in Japan in 1995, where the “Altar of God”, originally from his hilltop sanctuary in Mbhokota in Limpopo, was exhibited and which later formed part of Wits Art Museum’s Collection. Also included are a group of Nhunguvana by Tsonga artists and a carved figure of a Sangoma by Johannes Maswanganyi that also doubles as a Nhunguvana.

Dr Rayda Becker was well known for never settling on a single point of view, either when approaching an exhibition or writing about a specific African art-related topic, always opting for a position of multivalency, which led her to be known among many friends and academics in her field as Rayda, Options” Becker.

This auction of selected artworks as well as a significant work by Robert Hodgins and other South African artists who loved her dearly, reflects Rayda’s always curious interpretation of the world around her.

Strauss & Co is delighted to announce that, in accordance with the wishes of the family, a portion of the proceeds from this auction will be donated to the Dr Rayda Becker Art Scholarship Fund. This contribution will support an emerging artist in the development of their career.

Special thanks to Fiona Rankin-Smith for the written contribution and for curating the sale which will be on view at our Cape Town office.