Ubuntu

This shirt is made using two tea towels depicting the Zulu people of South Africa. I sourced these from an elderly gentleman who had acquired them on his travels many years ago. 

The Zulu are known not only for their strength and resilience, but also for their deep connection to rhythm, tradition, and visual storytelling. From the bold symmetry of beadwork to the lyrical flow of isiZulu, culture is communicated through craft, color, and movement. This shirt is a quiet homage—a wearable tribute to the legacy of a people whose influence continues to shape the world, from the frontlines of history to the dance floors of Amapiano.

The title of this shirt - Ubuntu -  is a word from isiZulu, meaning "I am because we are".  It serves as a reminder that our humanity is rooted in our relationships with others, a truth that feels more urgent than ever in a world often driven by individualism and disconnection.