Dive into the striking art of Zimbabwe’s Peggy Masuku

Zimbabwe is popular for the abundant natural wealth which is spread out throughout the country. Another unique factor of Zimbabwe is their intricate and vibrant hut and mud painting designs. One of the women iconic hut painting artists from Zimbabwe is Peggy Masuku.

Who and How the Hut & Mud Painting done?

The hut & mud painting are done using the paints which are made out of soil, ash and plants. These are considered to be the natural pigments and it is eco-friendly too. This painting is often done by the women of Zimbabwe. They follow the pattern while painting based on the region they belong to. Hence, their painting reflects and resonate their culture, history, local customs, their beliefs, tradition, and the ancestral stories. It is a kind of a medium through which they get connect with their family and their mother land. So, this hut and mud painting helps the Zimbabwe people to treasure their heritage.

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Who is Peggy Masuku?

Peggy Masuku is a renowned hut and mud painter from her village Matobo in Zimbabwe. There are many women painters and artists who does this aesthetic painting on their livelihood. The painting of Peggy Masuku looks real, alive and sublime because of the natural pigments which the source for the paintings. It is reported that she mixes soil pigments, charcoal, and ash together and finishes off her inspiring masterpiece. The earth tones, and the patterns which are followed regularly including triangles, diamonds, zigzags, and spirals, adding on to that she has indulged many modern patterns into her paintings. This allures many visitors globally and enhances their small market at the international stage. 

Peggy Masuku is stands ideal and dynamic in her profession amidst other women in the village because of her process of painting, her motifs behind it, the foreseeing ability, and her innovative thinking.

Masuku shared that her life before involving completely into this profession, she underwent few drills in the form of household works. That is, smearing the cow dung into a circle and pasting it on the walls and floors. Those shapes and structured sparked the artist within her. 

“My stepmother would oversee this chore and make sure I did it to perfection. Initially, I thought this was abuse but I later realised it was good training. I graduated to doing the hut painting, which elderly women did, and over time became quite good at it.” said Peggy to AFP.

The annual art and design festival in Zimbabwe conducts a competition “My Beautiful Home” which was launched in 2014 with 30 competitors. While participating in this competition Peggy’s talent and artform came to the light and she was recognised.

“Everyone is an artist. We just need to learn how to see” – Peggy Masuku.

Intergovernmental Commission

In relation to this, the 5th session of Zimbabwe-Russia Intergovernmental Commission took place in Russia. It primarily focussed on the development and strengthening of trade, economy, science and technology. Both the representatives of the two countries have agreed to progress together.

“Our commission discussed areas of cooperation and the things that we have already done. We have celebrated the launch of our satellite, ZimSat-2. We have also considered all areas that we need to deepen our cooperation in” said Zimbabwe’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Amon Murwira.