Dissertation
The Garment as object of expression of cultural identity by Ndebele women in contemporary South Africa
University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Doctor of Philosophy, University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
2025
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25907/00937
Abstract
This practice-based research explored how Ndebele women use the garment as a means to express their cultural identity in contemporary South Africa. The Ndebele people are an indigenous tribe of South Africa with their cultural homeland located North West of Pretoria in KwaMhlanga. This Ph.D. is comprised of a written exegesis, supported by a creative artefact, expressed in a curated art exhibition, and an exhibition catalogue.
This practice-based research builds on my art practice as an expression of cultural diversity and social communication, utilising both contemporary and historical multi-media practices. The outcomes of this research were developed through consultation with Ndebele communities, and participatory action research with Ndebele co-researchers, and taking guidance and cultural advice from my Ndebele research assistant.
During this research, I investigated the historical processes which have influenced Ndebele women’s identity creation and how garment has been used as a traditional expression of identity in the past, and today. My research reveals how, during times of extreme hardship, and in an attempt to keep the Ndebele culture alive, Ndebele women turned to one of the only means at their disposal; their tradition of initiation, and centuries-old knowledge of beadwork and design, taught to them by their mothers and grandmothers. Significantly, the research shows that Ndebele women have responded to adverse conditions by using their creativity to reinforce their identities through the use of elaborate beadwork on their garments, traditional initiation blankets, jewellery, and other accessories. The geometric designs in their beadwork and garments are reflected in mural painting of their homesteads which Ndebele women paint with similar colourful geometric designs.
Details
- Title
- The Garment as object of expression of cultural identity by Ndebele women in contemporary South Africa
- Authors
- Johanna Butt - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Law and Society
- Contributors
- Harriot Beazley (Principal Supervisor) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Sustainability Research ClusterLeah Barclay (Co-Supervisor) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Indigenous and Transcultural Research CentreSifiso Ndlovu (Co-Supervisor) - University of Mpumalanga
- Awarding institution
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- Degree awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy
- Publisher
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- DOI
- 10.25907/00937
- Grant note
- This PhD was supported by the Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) fee offset scholarship for Australian domestic HDR students.
- Organisation Unit
- School of Business and Creative Industries; School of Law and Society
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 991136705502621
- Output Type
- Dissertation
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