THE RIBOLA ART ROUTE

art from the heart of Venda

Embark on a journey through the vibrant tapestry of the Ribola Art Route, a collective that embodies the spirit and artistry of the Venda region. More than just a geographical trail, the Ribola Art Route represents a powerful movement, a coming together of talented artists deeply connected to their cultural heritage. It stands as a testament to the enduring traditions and contemporary expressions of creativity that flourish in this part of South Africa. By showcasing these artworks, we aim to honour the legacy of the Ribola artists and provide a platform for their unique voices to resonate with a wider audience, inviting you to discover the stories woven into each brushstroke and carving.

There is a constant pulse, an ancient rhythm pushing life through the veins of the Limpopo Province, some may say that this is the real heart of Africa. The Ribola art route in Mbokota, near Elim, Limpopo, personifies this African spirit; a melting pot of Tsonga, Venda and Shangaan cultures, celebrating culture and traditions through art; music; crafts and the age-old African tradition of story-telling.

Named after the Ribola Mountain, the route takes travellers on a journey of extraordinary myths and legends of great and ancient kingdoms.  The Ribola Mountain, located near Elim in the Vhembe district of Limpopo, South Africa is a prominent landmark and is believed to be a sacred site where many would come to show their respects to the ancestors. 

This self-drive art tour has a history dating back to the 1980s when it was developed by Open Africa in association with Leshiba Wilderness and Shiluvari Lakeside Lodge to showcase and support Tsonga and Venda artists in the area, particularly around Elim and the Vhembe district. 

The Straughan and Girardin families actively supported the artists and craftspeople for many years as well as Madi A Thava Lodge and Nahakwe Community Lodge through visits to the artists. 

Love Limpopo significantly developed the route through a your programme, enterprise development and other processes to develop various hands-on immersive experiences which encourage visitors to tap into the indigenous knowledge of the artists and craftspeople and have the satisfaction of learning something new. Batik-cloth making, scrapture-design, pot-making, traditional music jamming and a cooking experience all reveal the essence of the rich cultural heritage of the Shangaan and Venda people.

The route, a loose association of artists and craftspeople, connects visitors with artists in their home galleries, allowing them to learn about their creative process. 

Limpopo is renowned for its arts, crafts and design. Some of the province’s most acclaimed artists include Noria Mabasa, the late Jackson Hlungwane, Thomas Kubayi, Johannes Maswanganyi, David Murathi, Kenneth Nonyana and the legacy of Sarah Munyai’s traditional pot-making can be found. 

The route also features artists like Twananani Textiles, a group of women specializing in batik, and Pilato Bulala, known for his "scraptures" made from recycled materials. Experiences can be booked through Love Limpopo and the Safari Sourceress.

Writeup is accredited to Love Limpopo