Among the many fascinating objects displayed in the First Raadsaal Museum in Bloemfontein is a small iron cannon that quietly invites more questions than it answers. It is not the largest or most imposing exhibit, yet a closer look reveals two intriguing clues cast into its barrel: the initials JEC and the date 1760.
Exploring N’wana
“Ku veleka vukosi…” “To bear children is wealth.”
Among the Tsonga-Shangaan people, n’wana means “child”. Although often called a fertility doll, it is better understood as a child figure – a powerful symbol of womanhood, marriage and motherhood rather than a toy.
Unlike the simple xipopana, dolls made by children from rags, clay or maize cobs, a n’wana was presented to a young woman after initiation or at marriage.
A new permanent exhibition of Firearms is now on display at the First Raadsaal and Wagon Museum. The exhibition tells the story of the history of firearms. The exhibition was opened by Sharon Snell, CEO of the National Museum, on 3 October 2025.
The tender illusion of wax
Did you know that wax has been a prized material in doll-making since the Middle Ages?! Its plasticity and ability to maintain shape made it perfect for crafting lifelike figures, especially during the 18th century. From imitation fruits to religious figures, wax was used in many art forms before becoming a favorite medium for creating stunning, realistic doll heads.
The smooth, curved lines of bentwood chairs epitomize the timeless elegance linked to the European café style. While we may take this furniture style for granted today, its emergence in the late 19th century represented a revolutionary design advancement and signified an exhilarating shift from the rigid straight lines of earlier eras.