[4][1][5] In 2016 the US Ambassador's' fund for Cultural preservation (AFCP)[6] awarded a grant to document the Ndebele traditional art form of hut painting and decoration.
[1] During the 18th century, the Ndzundza Ndebele people of South Africa created their tradition and style of house painting.
The Boer farmers did not understand the meaning and viewed it as cultural art that was not harmful, so it was allowed to continue.
[8] The vibrant symbols and expressions portray communications of personal prayers, self-identification, values, emotions, and marriage.
The women of the Ndebele are often the traditional carriers and the main developer of the wall art of their home.
One thing that has changed since the beginning of house painting and present-day wall art is their styles.
[citation needed] At the beginning of house painting, their symbols and patterns were often based on Ndebele's beadwork.
The colors added to make the paintings were mostly natural pigments consisting of browns, blacks, and others.
The patterns, earth tones, directions, and sizes were more important than the present-day vivid and bright colors.
The patterns and symbols can be seen today with a rich black outline and a vivid color inside.
The women work long and hard to finish these walls and are noticed by the outside community because of their talent and expression.