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The Ndebele women of South Africa have long been recognized for the artistic endeavors, skill and talent.  When and how they became involved in bead-work, is not known.  It is generally believed that they have been using the glass beads from Czechoslovakia for many years, and one theory states that the beads were first introduced to the women by the traders from Europe traveling through during the later half of the nineteenth century.  The men do not partake in the working of the beads, this is always an activity that the women partake in exclusively.  The bead-work and the wall murals work hand in hand, as the composition of the murals is many times inspired by the designs of the beads.  These two practices together have formed one of the most important aspects of the culture of the Ndebele people in South Africa.  Many of the boutique hotels South Africa has constructed over the years, are canvases to the famous paintings.

The motifs and the designs are evidence of the dynamic and vital response to the world around them, the past elements, as well as the modern times and the changing environment.  Many commonplace elements of society are used, generally elaborated for the composition and design of the pieces.  Geometric shapes are common elements as well as highly stylized plants and flower paintings.  This is not only for the sake of the art, but for the expression of the constant hope and desire for rain and plentiful harvests in a region that is so often plagued with drought conditions.  Most often used images include those everyday household fixtures, such as windows and doorways, staircases and the fixtures for lights.  These signify the aspirations and the hopes for an ideal and a balanced home.  The bead-work has changed over the years due the availability and the high price of the delicate glass beads.  However even though many work now with plastic beads, the attention to detail and tradition remains the same, and the work produced is still highly sought after in the market places.

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