The highly anticipated unveiling of the SIVIVANE SOGOGO! temporary exhibition lit up the Museum last night, drawing in a captivated audience. The exhibition draws its name from an insightful interview with Lunguza kaMpukane Mthembu in Pietermaritzburg back in 1909. Lunguza spoke of "izivivane" on the land—ancient piles of stones, often referred to by passers-by as ‘sivivane so gogo!’ (‘isivivane of our ancestors!’). In a nod to the bygone eras, we've meticulously crafted a new "isivivane" using age-old stones sourced from the museum’s extensive storage collections. These stones bear witness to a rich history, encompassing rock engravings, grindstones, ancient stone tools, and game boards. SIVIVANE SOGOGO! stands as a testament to a continuous and enriching collaboration between the CVA Artist Collective (Centre for Visual Arts, University of KwaZulu-Natal) and the KwaZulu-Natal Museum’s Department of Human Sciences. This display will remain open for next 6 months, inviting all to step back in time and embrace the echoes of our heritage.

 

A big thanks to Spier Wines for their sponsorship of wine for the opening – we enjoyed a Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz, and Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon blend from their ‘Good Natured’ Organic range. Spier are an unwavering supporter of the arts as well as the ethical production of food.