Image: Yale University Art Gallery, New Haven
Yale University Art Gallery will open ‘Nguni: Migrant Nations of Southeast Africa’ in New Haven on September 11, presenting an exhibition focused on the art traditions that emerged from the Nguni diaspora of the early 19th century. The gallery describes the project as the first exhibition to examine those traditions and as an exploration of a pivotal, often overlooked chapter in African history.
The Nguni diaspora was a far-reaching movement that disrupted societies across a broad area of the subcontinent. According to the gallery, the historical consequences of that movement continue to resonate today. The exhibition’s framing therefore connects artistic traditions with the migrations and social upheavals that shaped Southeast Africa during the period.
The gallery’s September newsletter identifies the exhibition as the first museum exhibition devoted to the art of the Nguni diaspora. Its accompanying image list includes a Northern Nguni lidded prestige vessel, identified as Swazi or Zulu and dated to the early to mid-19th century, from the British Museum in London. The list also includes recent photographic works by Jabulani Dhlamini documenting royal figures and ceremonial events in South Africa and Zambia.
Dhlamini’s listed photographs include images of the Ngoni king Mpezeni IV during the Ncwala, or First Fruits Festival, in Chipata, Zambia, and of Princess Mntwana Nomfundo Zulu dancing during the Umkhosi Womhlanga, or Reed Dance, in KwaZulu-Natal. The works are identified as pigmented inkjet prints and are credited to the artist. The newsletter’s image material places these contemporary records of ceremony alongside historical objects associated with Nguni communities.
A public opening celebration, ‘In Praise of Nguni: Celebrating a Southeast African Diaspora,’ is scheduled for September 24 at 5:30 p.m. The program is listed by the gallery as an exhibition-opening event. On September 25 at 1:30 p.m., filmmaker Nomawonga Khumalo will present ‘isilulu,’ followed by a conversation with curator James Green. The screening and discussion are offered in conjunction with the exhibition.
Green will lead a further gallery talk, ‘Making Nguni,’ on September 30 at 12:30 p.m., addressing the exhibition’s themes, histories, and curatorial vision. The gallery states that its programs are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted, with events generally taking place at the museum. ‘Nguni: Migrant Nations of Southeast Africa’ opens September 11 at Yale University Art Gallery in New Haven.
