A series of screen prints exploring the symbolism of Umbala/Mmala and the different vocab nodes each Umbala/Mmala* carries.
2015-2016.
*Umbala/Mmala is a Zulu/Sotho word used to describe or define a mark or speck. Its use extends from descriptions of a hue, shade or tint to other different words. Umbala/Mmala is translated to colour in English. UmbalaMmala can be used to describe more than a hundred different things and contexts in Zulu/Sotho. The word’s meaning changes depending on the context in which it is used.
![](https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/3aa996c83cca9f2516232e1b52005cd191757e83125e203c4cbe264a17a5a7be/Mbali-Dhlamini.-Mopostola-O-motle.2015.jpg)
![](https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/56b3475562e4c02984e6b46db97377092f0b37d474251a7425b814936ae0397e/Mbali-Dhlamini.-Seaparo-Sa-Moya--Se-Halalelang.2015.jpg)
![](https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/f12557b1493c137cfaaad83f7ed7f86c873a9a923fc5f1c85dad35bfb19f6f80/Mbali-Dhlamini.-St-Jewel-Apostolic-Church.2015.jpg)
![](https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/41048bbb8524d22de141372e9320e5f15ef71148529903ce9fc73d2f11eed86c/Mbali-Dhlamini.Amakholwa-Apostolic-Church.2015.jpg)