Rivalry between families caused one group of Ndebele to go farther north into Zimbabwe.
Intermarriages ensued and cultural exchanged happened.
It is believed that early Ndebele house structure and house-painting strategies were adopted as a result of these relationships.
Forced into an oppressive life, the Ndebele people started using expressive symbols to secretly communicate with each other.
These paintings became an expression of both cultural resistance and continuity.
A well-painted home indicates the female of the household is a good wife and mother.
Monochrome ochres, browns, black, and limestone whitewash were the initial hues.
The walls had to be resurfaced seasonally, after the summer rains washed away the natural pigments.
The Ndebele wall designs have evolved over the years showing increasing external influence.
In one example, a hugeBMW logo was foundpainted on a house.
Also see:Decorated Mud Houses of Tiebele, Burkina FasoandZalipie, The Painted Village
Sources:Wikipedia/Cultural Survival/Kruger Park
