The Ndebele of Zimbabwe descend from a Zulu regiment led by Mzilikazi, who broke away from Shaka’s kingdom in 1822 and migrated north, eventually settling in what is now Matabeleland by 1838. Their independent kingdom lasted until 1893, when King Lobengula was overthrown by British colonial forces.
Ndebele women paint bold, symmetrical geometric murals on their homes freehand, a tradition of individual and communal expression passed from mother to daughter.
Ndebele mural painting is traditionally done freehand by women, without rulers or stencils. Straight lines and symmetry are a matter of trained eye and hand, passed from mother to daughter.