Beyond the Tropic of Capricorn, north along the Soutpansberg Mountains towards Zimbabawe, exists a region of the country that is almost opaque and impenetrable to an outsider, palpably shrouded in mystery, magic and steeped in belief. It is also the site of one of the richest and most extraordinary artistic communities in the country – specifically renowned for an elaborate woodcarving tradition that goes back centuries – as well as for one of the country’s most admired beading traditions. Through the artists that live and create here, Johnny is offered access through some of these veils, bringing further depth and meaning to that which is already so apparently powerful.
