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Communities Uniting to Confront HIV/AIDS in Africa:

Materials from the Melville J. Herskovits Library of African Studies

DOLLS

The art of beaded cloth doll making is practiced mostly by rural women artists in the KwaZulu-Natal region of South Africa. Comprising of relatively small groups of women from areas around Tugela Ferry, Msinga and the Valley of a Thousand Hills, the creative makers of this art challenge and confront current social issues through their beaded cloth sculptures. Utilizing a resourceful approach of expert bead craft skills and technique, these dolls are a rich social document reflecting the struggle of communities confronting HIV/AIDS.

Click on the images to view full size.

	South Africa A female doll made in the common style of craft artistry from KwaZulu-Natal. Most dolls include a beaded red ribbon to convey a social message about HIV/AIDS. This intricately beaded doll is made with cloth, yarn, rubber, metal, pins, and cardboard. Female dolls include a flat, circular headpiece commonly worn by married Zulu women. Height: 115 cm
	South Africa Another female doll constructed in a similar manner using beads, cloth, metal and rubber to promote HIV/AIDS awareness. Height: 115 cm
	South Africa A male figure, standing much shorter than the female dolls described above. This figure includes fur worn as a lower body covering. Height: 78 cm
	South Africa This female doll stands on a red felt pedestal and is made with beads, cloth, yarn, metal, pins and cardboard. Height: 75 cm
	South Africa Two females paired with a male figure standing in the middle. These dolls are placed on top of a black felt pedestal. Height: 50 cm Width: 35 cm
	South Africa A small female figure, constructed around a hollow felt cylinder. The red ribbon symbol is prominent on this piece Height: 30 cm
	South Africa These very small female dolls represent AIDS affected children who have lost parents and family members to the disease. Heights: (Left to Right) 8 cm and 12 cm

Background information regarding these dolls courtesy of "Rural Crafts and HIV/AIDS Awareness KZN: A Partnership in Rural Women's Development" prepared by Kate Wells, 2000 and from Kim Sacks Gallery in Johannesburg, South Africa.