Adrienne Walker Hoard

Ms. Elisabeth’s Handmaiden
color cibachrome photograph
18 x 24 in.

My photographs depict and document aspects of the traditional life in South Africa of a “good Ndebele woman.” The brass rings on her neck, arm, and leg look like weight and restriction to women in the West, but are instead worn proudly by Ndebele married women until the death of their spouse. Young Anna represents the 21st century and beyond, while Ms. Elisabeth her grandmother represents all Ndebele women from ancient times to today.

© Adrienne Walker Hoard