January, 2019 | njovuyalema.org

Leonard Chikasasa – Creation

Malawi – Dedza Diocese – Mua Parish – Parish Church Leonard Chikasasa’s association with Claude Boucher predates the establishment of Kungoni Centre in 1976. This panel, together with his fine depiction of the Risen Christ, were originally the only decorative devices in the parish church. Against a characteristic background of geometric patterns, applied directly…

Thomas Mpira – Lectern (Holy Trinity)

Malawi – Dedza Diocese – Mua Parish – Parish Church This is the first example (in this collection) of a number of intricately carved wooden lecterns by the artists of Kungoni Centre that have found their way to churches around the world. Here Thomas Mpira reflects on the creative power of the Holy Trinity…

Ismael Mulera – Mother & Child

Malawi – Dedza Diocese – Mua Parish – Parish Church It is appropriate that an image of Mother & Child should stand at the front of the church on the side where the women sit. At Mary’s feet rests a mtondo: the mortar for pounding maize, which represents the life of the household. It…

Claude Boucher & Patricio Tambala Mponyani – Women’s Work

Malawi – Dedza Diocese – Mua Parish – Parish Church These wall paintings are applied to the side of the church where the women sit and evoke their world. This has a double effect: even though in the presence of God, the congregation does not feel too far removed from its usual setting, and…

James Samikwa – God Our Mother

Malawi – Dedza Diocese – Mua Parish – Parish Church High over the nave of the church hangs James Samikwa’s depiction of God Our Mother. God – Chauta (one of several Chewa names for God) is depicted, as often in Kungoni art, concealed behind a mask, which suggests here a smiling mother who extends…

Mwadza Maleka – Nativity

Malawi – Dedza Diocese – Mua Parish – Parish Church We will enter the church tomorrow… However, as today is the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord, we will celebrate by introducing the first of many Kungoni Nativities. This is an early attempt, which was made for the parish by Mwadza Maleka and…

Claude Boucher & Joseph Kadzombe – The Visitation

Malawi – Dedza Diocese – Mua Parish – Parish Church This is Claude Boucher’s companion piece to Mary Help of Christians and is placed to the right of the West door. The Gospel account of the Visitation is brought to life in strong African colours and dress. Malawians, unlike so many in richer countries,…

Claude Boucher & Joseph Kadzombe – Mary Help of Christians

Malawi – Dedza Diocese – Mua Parish – Parish Church The West door of the parish church is flanked by two frescoes in cement, which are the first of many that will appear on these pages. The one to the left depicts Mary Help of Christians, which is the dedication of the church and…

Friday Jibu – Aloe

Malawi – Private Collection Here, from the same collection, is Friday Jibu’s Aloe. There is a gallery of images of this striking plant growing in Malawi here and there is botanical information here. The most authoritative book length account is by a long serving Anglican missionary: Lane, S.S. (2004). A Field Guide to the Aloes of…

Friday Jibu – Human Skull

Malawi – Private Collection Today, another head by a different artist. Kungoni carvers have left Malawi to find work as far afield as Norway and South Africa. On his arrival in Cape Town Friday Jibu, who is the son of Jibu Sani, one of the longest standing of all Kungoni carvers, developed a style…