Memento – 2025

Light pattern painted over modified vintage convex tourist image of a pride of Lions, in old oval frame with carved vintage staff. H109 x W43 cm

Based on a traditional small Zulu Hide War shield (ihawu umdlela) and stiffening stick with symbolic carved trim at top (usually made from fur = Umsila). This appropriated and reinterpreted oval War Shield holds strong memories of childhood for the artist. The symbol of the Zulu warrior epitomised by the shield has always been an integral cultural icon in South Africa.

The applied distinctive vertical parallel lines reference the woven leather thongs used to stiffen and reinforce the shield to withstand the force applied by fighting foes in battle. These lines have been added over a reoriented typical tourist scene, a souvenir of a pride of lions at rest. The lions and the Zulu icon are here fused as a memento.