Zodwa Sibiya demonstrating hardwire weaving, July 2023. Matata, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Image courtesy of Zamo Mhkize and Gone Fishing Productions.
The Museum of International Folk Art in Santa Fe, New Mexico, features iNgqikithi yokuPhica / Weaving Meanings: Telephone Wire Art from South Africa, the first major showcase of its kind in any North American museum. This stunning exhibition offers a deep dive into the rich history and artistry of telephone wire weaving in South Africa, offering a unique perspective on this distinctive craft.
A Rich Tapestry of History and Innovation
Weaving Meanings delves into the multi-faceted history of wire as an artistic medium in South Africa. It traces its origins back to the 16th century, when wire was first used as a marker of social status. It follows its transformation over time, culminating in the innovative and vibrant use of recycled telephone wire. The exhibition celebrates South African artisans’ creativity, highlighting the medium’s evolution from humble beginnings to its dazzling contemporary manifestations, as seen in the intricate works created for both local and international markets today.
Visitors will experience a captivating range of wireworks, from traditional items like izimbenge (beer pot lids) and platters to sculptural works, vessels, and ceremonial objects. Each piece tells a story of artistic continuity and innovation, reflecting the dynamic cultural history of the KwaZulu-Natal region and the broader South African context. The exhibition highlights how the art form has remained a symbol of cultural identity and a means of creative expression throughout the centuries.
A Collaborative Effort
The exhibition features a remarkable collection, generously assembled and donated by David Arment and Jim Rimelspach, collectively known as the David Arment Southern African Collection. This substantial body of work, which includes historical and contemporary pieces, provides invaluable insight into the development of telephone wire art in South Africa.
Guest curator Dr. Elizabeth Perrill has worked closely with community curator Muziwandile Gigaba, an Indigenous knowledge expert, to bring this exhibition to life. Together, they have collaborated with a committee of Indigenous Knowledge Experts, including Muziwandile Hadebe, Ntombifuthi Mwimule (Maphumulo), and Ntuthoko Khuzwayo, to ensure the exhibition is rooted in authentic cultural perspectives. This collaborative approach is fundamental to the exhibition, which aims to foreground the artists’ voices.
In addition to the physical works, the exhibition features original video interviews and weaving demonstrations created in collaboration with South African filmmakers led by Zamo Mkhize. These videos offer a behind-the-scenes look at the artists’ creative processes, providing an intimate connection to the people and traditions behind these stunning works of art.
Voices from the Artists
The exhibition aims to elevate the voices of South African artists, with lead Indigenous Knowledge Expert Muziwandile Gigaba reflecting on the profound impact of the project. “In the process of creating iNgqikithi yokuPhica, artists have shared aspects of themselves to complement David Arment’s exquisite collection,” said Gigaba. “The exhibition is a contribution towards the self-empowerment of Zulu artists and communities, reinforcing a strong sense of togetherness and humanity. I am honored to be part of this historic project.”
David Arment, who has spent over three decades traveling to Africa, shared his enthusiasm for the exhibition, noting the evolution of the art form he witnessed. “Jim and I have been traveling to Africa for over 30 years, and our visits overlapped with the development of this art form and the emergence of so many talented master weavers,” he said. “We built this collection over many years, and we are so excited to share the art of telephone wire with the Museum and the world.”
A Celebration of Craft, Culture, and Connection
The exhibition is made possible thanks to the generous support of the International Folk Art Foundation, a grant from the William H. and Mattie Wattis Harris Foundation, and additional contributions from David Arment, Jim Rimelspach, and donors to the Museum of New Mexico Foundation’s Exhibition Development Fund.
Weaving Meanings: Telephone Wire Art from South Africa is more than just an art exhibition; it celebrates craft, culture, and the enduring power of storytelling through art. Visitors to the Museum of International Folk Art will not only be immersed in the breathtaking beauty of South African wire art but will also gain a deeper understanding of the cultural forces that have shaped this remarkable artistic tradition.
The exhibition is on view through March 2026. Don’t miss this unforgettable opportunity to engage with a vibrant and evolving art form that has its roots in history while remaining a vital and contemporary expression of South African identity.
Learn more at moifa.org
About the Museum of International Folk Art
The Museum of International Folk Art is a division of the Department of Cultural Affairs, under the leadership of the Board of Regents for the Museum of New Mexico. The International Folk Art Foundation and the Museum of New Mexico Foundation generously support programs and exhibits. The Museum of International Folk Art aims to shape a humane world by connecting people through creative expression and artistic traditions. The museum holds the world’s largest collection of international folk art, numbering more than 163,000 objects from more than 100 countries.
Get your free copy of Global Heroes, jam-packed with positive news, straight in your inbox.
The Museum of International Folk Art shapes a humane world by connecting people through creative expression and artistic traditions.