Selloan Moeti- SELF- PRESERVATION IN ISOLATION

clay bowl with clay, a bunch of impepho , clay bowl with impepho and enamel 

dish with bandages

The images above are of  performance by selloan moeti which are took at the KZN-SA art gallery. To summarize what is happening this performance Selloan us inspired by the covid -19 lockdown health preservation techniques in which she meditatively covers her body in ibomvu (red clay) in bandages dipped in imbomvu which is used in Zulu rituals of purification and spiritual healing.This process leaves her restricted , frightened reflecting the ongoing struggle to preserve health within tight spaces. 

 

Impepho Necklace designs

 

Wax face sculpture and impepho 

The above design is inspired by the concept of uMvelinqanga( known as the first being or ancestor and the source of all that has been and ever will. The use of impepho as a necklace symbolize a herb that is used to connect with the most high.

Impepho flower pendant and stem necklace 

Impepho plant

Impepho Plant

 

An up-close picture of Impepho

The above images are of impepho that I plucked Eshowe when I was visiting my homeland. Impepho that I picked up is mainly used to invoke the ancestral spirits, cleanse negative energy, and hydrotherapy.

Impepho is mostly burnt to inform the ancestors through ones journey in life(when one is born they are introduced to the ancestors, when one reaches puberty, especially girls when they get their first menstrual cycle ancestors are informed that one is stepping into womanhood and guidance is seeked, when one gets married, and afterlife)  or to  intend a  sacrificial offering.