Noria Muelwa Mabasa (née Luvhimbi) (born May 10, 1938) is a South African artist renowned for her exceptional woodcarving skills.

Mabasa's work has been exhibited internationally, and she's considered one of the leading contemporary artists in South Africa.

In 1965 she began having recurring dreams of an old woman who showed her how to work in the clay medium, and prompted her to receive local training on the traditional craft.

[7] Known for her pottery and wood sculptures, she is a recipient of the 2002 Silver category of the Order of the Baobab, also receiving several other national and international accolades and awards for her outstanding artistry and creativity.

[8] Mabasa's works deal mostly with the metaphysical and feminine, particularly issues pertaining to women, as well as subjects of Venda mythology and spirituality.

[2] Her choice to create wooden sculptures was partly informed by practicality - she stated that wood "isn't as fragile as clay.