Walking on Art

Legends of the Land

This route touches every corner of the 123 900 square kilometre province stretching from Louis Trichardt in the West through Elim and onto Giyani, then turns to the north towards Thohoyandou and back. This magical bushveld, chosen mainly by the Venda ancestors for its sacred waters and fearsome guardians, is dotted with nationally and internationally renowned artists whose work is inspired by their connection to their ancestors, myths and legends.

The Ribolla Route

Named after the uniquely shaped mountain in the Makhado District the Ribolla Route showcases the talents of its artistic inhabitants, dancers, storytellers, gardeners and singers.

Art for Everyone

There are over 30 art stops to spoil any art lover on this route. From perky sculptures at David Murathi’s Sculptures in Makhado to Lucky Makhamu’s imposing larger than life woodcarvings in Elim to the bustling Maanda nga u Pfana Pottery Village at the mythical and sacred Lake Fundudzi to Phineas Masuvhelele’s Sculptures and Drums near Polokwane.

World-famous Artists

You would not have done the Ribolla route without a visit to the world-famous artists of this region. They include Noria Mabasa, Phineas Masuvhelele and the eccentric father of South African art Jackson Hlungwane.

Jackson Hlungwane

A son of a migrant worker, Jackson Hlungwane started carving fulltime after losing a finger in an industrial accident. Today at age 83 Jackson is an inspirational figure to many young artists in his village of Mbokota near Elim. Many of the village’s streets are littered with vibrant artists all jostling to take over Hlungwane’s crown as the master of art. One of his students was John Baloyi who went on to achieve international claim before losing his life in a car accident in 2006. Baloyi’s vibrant work at his gallery 700 metres downhill from Hlugwane’s place still attracts many visitors.
Hlungwane is most famous for his carvings depicting fish and the themes around them. Engaging in a discussion with Hlungwane is like taking a journey into the unknown. His topics are as deep and captivating as his art with more than a dash of religious commentary. He believes he has some divine access to Jesus, having formed his own religious group after being ordained in the Zionist church in the late 40’s. His opinions may jar with the image of a man who has exhibited his works in galleries all over the country, dominating African artists at international exhibitions in Japan, Europe and America.

Noria Mabasa

The colourful house painted with red stained mud and clay figures that seem to be rising out of it is guarded by two life-sized clay women clad in traditional Venda regalia. It’s a sure sign that this is home to no ordinary citizen. This is celebrated artist Noria Mabasa’s house. It is also a small gallery and a bed and breakfast for those who really want to engage with the artist, her works, the traditional Venda food, African styled bedding and much more.
Like most of the artists on the Ribolla Route Noria’s work is not just her passion, it is a calling. Unusual dreams in which she saw her ancestors, spirited strangers and warnings were a sign that she needed to fulfil her role in the community as an artist.
That was back in 1965. Today, Noria’s restless dreams have earned her world fame. She has exhibited all over the country as well as in countries such as Holland, Belgium and the USA. Mabasa runs an art school in Venda from where she instructs her students in the art of clay-pot and sculpture making.

Phineas Masuvhelele

The floods that devastated the country almost a decade ago presented Phineas Masuvhelele with the opportunity for fame. From a huge, uprooted tree along the riverbanks of Venda, Phineas made the world’s biggest man-made drum. Measuring over 3 metres on its base and 1,5 metres high the drum has been used at international ceremonies held in South Africa. It was an object of awe at the World Summit on Sustainable Development held at Johannesburg in 2002. Today the humble and shy artist runs his own gallery, The Phineas Masuvhelele Sculptures and Drums, near Polokwane.

Inherent Inspiration

Limpopo itself plays muse to its numerous and talented artists. A place of inspiration, it is rich with myths and legends, history, culture and natural beauty. From sacred lakes and forests to a living rain queen, the Ribolla Route in Limpopo begs for a journey of exploration deep into the heart and soul of its glorious art.