Zana Masombuka is a visual artist from South Africa and belongs to the Ndebele, a native South African tribe. Her Nges’rhodlweni series tells us about traditional Ndebele rituals in a contemporary way. On this photograph Masombuka embodies an invitation spirit, who brings the community together. Her eyes are closed, inviting us to think of who we are on the inside.

Masombuka wears a hat similar to one her father used to wear. It is adorned with objects of Black Joy and items given out during ceremonies and rituals. Her face is painted with traditional Ndebele house painting designs in a geometric pattern. It’s a way of paying homage to the ancestors and to communicate with them. At the same time it’s a sign of resilience: in times of oppression, these house painting designs were a secret language, hidden in plain sight and unreadable to the colonial oppressor.

As a 21st century Ndebele woman, Masombuka wants to present her culture in a contemporary way, in order for it to be embraced by the next generation and shared globally