These wonderful beaded animals and dolls are created by enterprising women living in the townships surrounding Capetown, South Africa. The work has come to us from a project to employ and empower women in the townships of Mandela Park, Khayalitsha and Phillipi. The MonkeyBiz Project provides each woman with the glass beads and pays cash for each doll or bag she produces. The 320 women and men currently participating in the project are producing a variety of one-of-a-kind dolls and bags. In designing and creating these artworks, the women draw on and renew the rich artistic traditions of their several ethnic groups - Xhosa, Zulu, Ndebele, Sotho and others. In thse works the bead artists of the Cape townships are creating a new, often humorous and sometimes quite startling synthesis of folk traditions.
The Indigo Arts website has remained active over the last two years despite all the dispruptions from the COVID-19 virus. I have been able to resume regular operations and am able to pack and ship most orders within a few days. Shipping times have increased during this period. The gallery is open to visitors on an appointment only basis and according to city masking regulations. Please phone or email ahead.
Note: USPS service remains very slow. I don't recommend it if you are in a hurry. Please note also that USPS shipping estimates only include insurance for up to a $50 value. If you want full insurance please let me know and I will charge it separately.
Please stay safe!
