Zizipho Poswa

Southern Guild, Cape Town

Acquired from the above by the present owner

Zizipho Poswa’s Magodi (2020) stands as a bold testament to the flourishing recognition of ceramic art and, in particular, the visionary contributions of contemporary African women ceramicists. This sculptural piece is meticulously hand-built, reflecting both Poswa’s technical mastery and her dedication to transforming traditional craft into monumental fine art. Magodi derives its form and title from traditional African hairstyles, referencing the intricate “magodi” hair braiding of South Africa’s Xhosa women—a recurring inspiration in Poswa’s oeuvre.

Poswa draws deeply on her Xhosa heritage, creating works that channel ancestral rituals, patterns, and the lived experiences of African women. “My inspiration comes from my culture and the path I've walked as a woman. My work celebrates my heritage and the strength of African women,” she asserts, encapsulating a practice that entwines personal narrative with collective memory. As her reputation has soared through significant exhibitions and acquisitions—such as the inclusion of her works in international museum collections—Poswa has emerged as a vital new voice in contemporary ceramics, transforming functional objects into expressive sculptural forms that command global attention.

The rising acclaim for ceramics in recent years reflects an embrace of materiality and process across the art market, with collectors, scholars, and major institutions turning renewed focus toward the medium’s expressive and conceptual possibilities. This surge has been especially notable for female artists of African descent—such as Magdalene Odundo and Poswa—whose innovative approaches have redefined the field, blending tradition with bold contemporary vision. Their work challenges historic hierarchies, celebrates cultural heritage, and affirms the power of clay as a tool for storytelling and self-representation.

Magodi is not merely an object but an emblem of this artistic renaissance—a celebration of African womanhood, cultural pride, and the richness of ceramic innovation in the 21st century.