The Ribola Art Route – Uncovering Limpopo’s Hidden Gems

Have you ever explored the wonders of the Ribola Art Route? If not, you’re in for a treat! This incredible journey takes you through the heart of Limpopo, revealing a world of artistic wonders that will leave you in awe.

Follow me as we venture into the hidden gems of this treasure trail. You’ll uncover the rich cultural heritage of the Venda people and be captivated by their extraordinary artistic expressions.

As we embark on this adventure, prepare to be dazzled by the intricate beauty of the woodcarvings, pottery, and traditional beadwork that grace the studios and workshops along the way. Each piece tells a story, a vibrant tale of the artists’ personal experiences and unique perspectives.

One of the key highlights of the Ribola Art Route is the opportunity to engage directly with the talented artists themselves. Meet these visionaries and witness their creative process firsthand. Learn about their inspirations, techniques, and the stories behind their masterpieces.

But the journey doesn’t end there. You’ll also be immersed in the enchanting landscapes that surround these artistic havens. Discover the breathtaking beauty of the Limpopo River, lush forests, and rolling hills. The natural wonders of this region are the perfect complement to the artistic wonders you’ll encounter along the way.

So, are you ready to embark on this extraordinary adventure? Grab your sense of curiosity, an open mind, and a pair of comfortable shoes. The Ribola Art Route awaits, ready to ignite your imagination and leave you with a deeper appreciation for the beauty and diversity of Limpopo.

Discover the Magic of the Ribola Art Route Today!

I had the incredible opportunity to explore the Ribola Art Route in rural Limpopo with two of my close friends. Let me tell you, it was a day filled with wonder, where we were able to connect with the amazing artists and immerse ourselves in the vibrant culture of Venda and Tsonga.

The adventure began with our knowledgeable guide, Musa, meeting us at our cozy B&B just outside Louis Trichardt. He hopped into our car, and we were off on our journey.

Our first stop took us to a hidden gem, a fabric emporium tucked away on a quiet side street in Louis Trichardt. It was like stepping into a magical treasure trove. The place was overflowing with bales of fabric, rolls of cloth, and counters filled with drawers bursting with colorful beads. Musa taught us about the unique cultures of Venda and Tsonga, and he even showed us the intricately pleated ‘Shibelani’ skirts that are donned during special events, festivals, and Heritage Day.

So, here’s the deal. We arrived at Elim, this little village full of missionaries and also the entrance to the Ribola Art Route. And let me tell you, it was quite a sight! Musa, our guide, took us to meet a talented seamstress working her magic in her small room.

The seamstress was busy working on one of the coolest things ever – a fluted skirt. Now, these skirts are something else! They’re made using a whopping 18 meters of fabric, all carefully folded into pleats. And you know what the best part is? They’re designed to make Tsonga girls’ hips look absolutely amazing!

Let me tell you, these skirts may look light and flowy, but they’re surprisingly heavy. We couldn’t help but burst into laughter when some of the mlungu mammas (that’s us, by the way) decided to give them a try. We twirled around in these skirts, feeling like the life of the party.

When I laid eyes on the stunning garments, I couldn’t wait to meet the talented artist behind them. That’s when I was introduced to Elisa Maluleke, a remarkable bead and textile artist. Her skill with a needle is truly breathtaking. Elisa had arranged some of her creations outside her cozy house for us to admire – cushion covers, table runners, wall hangings, all delicately embroidered with beads, many featuring the traditional beaded Venda circles. Despite her age, Elisa sat on a small stool, bent over jars of dazzling beads, eager to show us her creative process. The amount of time and effort she pours into every piece is unimaginable. And let’s not forget about her nimble fingers and sharp eyesight that make it all possible.

So, I arrived at the Mukondeni pottery village, a place managed by a group of local women. You can easily spot it from the road, with pots stacked up everywhere. I strolled around the shed, admiring the pots, dishes, and bowls of all shapes and sizes. They are a stunning terracotta red, adorned with eye-catching silvery-black graphite zigzags and diamonds.

The women gather the red clay from the nearby river and then fire the pots in an open pit, without using a wheel or kiln. One of the women kindly invited me to sit on the floor next to her, revealing how she skillfully shapes a lump of wet clay into a perfectly symmetrical vase by hand, ready for firing. Thankfully, our car had a spacious trunk because it quickly became filled with a stack of pots. The pottery ladies scurried around, searching for newspapers to wrap up our purchases.

As I hopped back in the car, we continued our journey along the Ribola Route, with Musa as our guide. We were heading deeper into the rural communities when we stumbled upon a truly remarkable sight – a workshop that seemed to belong in a surreal world where MadMax meets the Hobbit. The talented artist behind this unique space was Mafemani Thomas Kubayi, a master woodcarver.

As we parked next to the workshop, we were greeted warmly by Thomas. His yard was a treasure trove of fantastical fish, ethereal angels, and even a throne made out of a giant crocodile. It was like stepping into a dream.

We stepped into Thomas’s gallery, and as our eyes adjusted to the dim light, we were enchanted by the sound of him playing a haunting melody on his hand-carved wooden xylophone. It was mesmerizing to witness the depth of his talent and creativity.

Unfortunately, the Covid-19 pandemic had taken a heavy toll on these artists in Limpopo. With the absence of tourists, their livelihoods had been devastated. It was disheartening to learn that we were the first visitors Thomas had received in over 18 months since the start of lockdown.

As we loaded a few more newspaper-wrapped packages into the back of our car, I couldn’t help but feel the excitement building. Today, we were visiting Pilato Bulala, a talented artist who has found inspiration in the midst of this challenging time. His unique creations, known as ‘scraptures’, have been gaining recognition and I couldn’t wait to see them for myself.

When we arrived at Pilato Bulala’s studio, I was immediately struck by the creativity and ingenuity that filled the space. Everywhere I looked, there were sculptures crafted from discarded metal, upcycled cogs, and various other treasures found in the trash. Each piece was a testament to Pilato’s artistic vision and ability to transform forgotten objects into something extraordinary.

One of the things that amazed me most about Pilato’s scraptures was the range of sizes. From tiny 6-inch sculptures to towering 6-foot installations, there was something to captivate and inspire everyone. It was fascinating to see how each piece took on a life of its own, reflecting Pilato’s unique style and perspective.

And now, in response to the current pandemic, Pilato had created a series of Covid-themed scraptures. These pieces were unlike anything I had ever seen before. One sculpture captured the essence of the virus, with bolts incorporated into its form, symbolizing the unseen danger it poses. Another portrayed a figure wearing a mask, a powerful reminder of the protective measures we have all had to adopt.

As I walked through the studio, taking in the scraptures and their messages, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of hope. Despite the challenges we face, artists like Pilato are finding ways to express themselves and celebrate the resilience of the human spirit. These sculptures serve as a reminder that even in the darkest times, creativity can flourish and bring us together.

Leaving Pilato’s studio, I couldn’t help but reflect on the power of art to elevate our spirits and regenerate our response to the world around us. The scraptures I had seen were not merely objects; they were windows into the artist’s mind and a testament to the power of imagination. I felt grateful to have witnessed such a unique and inspiring display of creativity.

When I embarked on an adventure along the Ribola Art Route, I was blown away by the experience. It was unlike anything I had ever encountered before – a journey that left me in awe and filled my heart with joy. On this extraordinary day, I had the opportunity to meet and engage with four incredible artists – although there are even more artists involved in this remarkable initiative. You would think that in any other country, the Ribola Art Route would be a bustling tourist attraction, with the artists receiving the recognition and praise they truly deserve. However, in this secluded corner of rural Limpopo, it’s as if this hidden treasure remains a secret. I couldn’t have asked for a better guide than Musa. He orchestrated the entire day, ensuring that everything ran smoothly, and I can wholeheartedly recommend his services. Just a friendly piece of advice – remember to bring some old newspapers and cash along for the journey!