Featured Thoughts on artwork,please

Hi all,an elementary scene of a traditional African rural village. Folk art? Not sure what this is,an original (almost looks like a drawing or maybe pastel?)with some kind of varnish/coating applied? I think I see some pencil lines? Or just some kind of print?

I found the signature interesting (looks clear as if it was applied after the coating?) Couldn't find anything on the signature as yet. The frame size is 62x62cm. Thank you for any comments.
Keep well

 

Yes it is, and charming.

I think it is a bit of both, mixed technique. And it does look like it has been varnished. Pastel smudges very easily, so that could be the reason for the varnish.

 

Given the work is still in South Africa, more likely the former I'd think. Charming.

Debora

 

The horses with packs seem out of place to me in this scene.

 

The rider is a travelling salesman.

 

I also thought about the size of the horses. This might show a traditional Basotho village (in the Kingdom of Lestoho) with Basotho ponies (also used for pack ponies)

 

The rider is wearing the traditional blanket and a mokorotlo, also known as a modianywe, is a type of straw hat widely used for traditional Sotho clothing.

 

I saw all that as well, but in my ignorance, I just thought that horses weren't used in Africa. Thanks for the good information.

Yes, he is just sort of striding through the village like he owns it. He and his pack pony.

 

Thanks AJ,I appreciate the reply and confirmation

 

Interesting idea and comment. Thanks Davey. Not sure if it’s possible to find any relevant information but I will give it a shot

 

Thanks for the comment Debora,always appreciate your insight

 

It is a very interesting depiction of a Basotho village scene.

The British Museum holds a number of objects and images from Lesotho that are comparable to what can be seen in the painting -

A mokorotlo, a unique type of hat made by the Basotho -

https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/E_2011-2030-1


A koto/knobkerrie, c. 1860-1870 -



https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/E_Af-6066


A group of Basotho women, in 1934 (note the blankets and head coverings) -

https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/EA_Af-A13-52

A typical stone and thatched house, 1934 -

https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/EA_Af-A12-1