South Africa Guide
KwaZulu-Natal
Vukani Zulu Cultural Museum
Address: In the grounds of Fort Nongqayi on Nongqayi Road, a few minutes' walk from the city centre
Opening time: Mon– Sat 9am–4pm, Sun 10am–4pm
Price: R20, includes everything in the Fort Nongqayi complex
Telephone: 035 474 5274
Containing more than 3000 examples of traditional Zulu arts and crafts, the brilliant Vukani Zulu Cultural Museum is housed in a purpose-built structure. The best way to see the museum is to arrange a 45-minute guided tour, which is included in the price. On display is a huge range of baskets, something Zulu culture excels at (and examples of which are held in many major international art collections), each made for a specific purpose, the finest of which are the ones by Reuben Ndwandwe, arguably the greatest Zulu basket weaver, who died in 2007. There are also carvings, beadwork, tapestries and some outstanding ceramics, including works by Nesta Nala, one of the leading proponents of the form, who died in 2005. The benchmark examples here allow you to form an idea of the quality of basketry and crafts you'll see for sale as you work your way around Zululand.