Storytelling of Zulu and Sotho cultures on the selected figurative sculptures of Dinah Molefe from Rorke's Drift Pottery Workshop.

This paper examines two figurative sculptures by Dinah Molefe from the University of KwaZuluNatal's Campbell Collection, which were purchased from the Rorke›s Drift Pottery Workshop in 1982. These figurative sculptures are important pieces that tell the story through the portrayal of the cultural history of the region and document historical events. Using invented tradition as a basis, the study highlights the use of cultural symbols by Molefe in her figurative sculptures to tell stories which became part of representations of local cultures. Adopting purposive sampling, the study relies on non-probability sampling techniques based on sampling two figurative sculptures that have similar characteristics made by Dinah Molefe, that connects well with the study of the art of storytelling through examining each sculpture's details to unearth their meanings. The sampling method allows the author to interpret the sculptures respectively connecting with research purposes, supported by the relevant archives and literature. Thus, using existing data from archives and photographs, the study aims to interpret the way Molefe represents local culture through her sculptures. Findings generated through analyses of the sculptures aims to recognise the contributions and roles played by women artists through their artistic representation to preserve and revitalise local culture and history of depicting historical events through their creativity. This is reflected by Molefe's sculptures which narrate representations of cultural identity, using combinations of various cultures and changing artistic styles to suit the contemporary studio context. These key components are apparent in the selected Rorke's Drift ceramics from the Campbell Collection under investigation, which still play an important role in framing narrations of the famous Battle of Rorke's Drift and cultures of the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]