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Mary Elizabeth Patton

The following group of images represent oil paintings based on the people and imagery of Kenya and South Africa. Specifically, Mary Elizabeth's work on Africa started with the Maasai and Samburu Tribes of Kenya. Following her stay there, she ventured forth to South Africa to visit the N'debele, Zulu, and Makishi Tribes, as well as those of Swaziland. Her interest in the people and imagery of Africa is based on a longtime "fascination with the Rock Art of indigenous people and a desire to combine present day cultures with their past".
What follows is but a sampling of Mary Elizabeth's work on Africa. To discuss these pieces, or to inquire about other images related to the previously mentioned cultures, feel free to contact Mary Elizabeth directly.
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Maasai girl doing bead work against the Rock Art from the Sahara c. 5000 B.C. -- Tassili-N-Ajjer A Maasai Warrior with handprints on chest Maasai Warrior with lion's mane head-dress and clan's shield
Culture in Transition Moran Maasai Warrior
36" X 48"  $3500 18" X 24"  $700 36" X 48"  $3500
oil on canvas oil on canvas oil on canvas

 

Many say the name Samburu means Butterfly for this tribe; cousin to the Maasai are so delicate, stylishly elegant. Color of the Land The older sister wears a Pepetu, a small apron worn by a young maiden that denotes she is of age to be married. It is made of leather, and is decorated with intricate bead work. Around her arms and legs are zilas rings made from solid brass or copper- heated and bent to fit the wearer. Also, around her neck, arms and legs are the cholwane, made of straw and covered with strings of beads. The child, her younger sister, wears a ghabi.
Samburu- After Lmugit Color of the Land Sisters
24" X 48"  $3000 24" X 36"  $1200 24" X 36"  $1200
oil on canvas oil on canvas oil on canvas

 

The blanket denotes married status. MOTHERCHILD1.jpg (94875 bytes) This painting is set against the Rock Art of c. 6000 B.C..
Young Married N'debele Mother & Child The Thread of Life That Binds Us to the Past and to Each Other
30" X 40"  $2200 SOLD 36" X 48"  $3500
oil on canvas oil on canvas oil on canvas

To purchase any of the above works, or to contact Mary Elizabeth regarding a commissioned portrait, please click here.

All images contained herein are copyright Mary Elizabeth Patton. Any reproduction, digital or otherwise is strictly prohibited without the expressed written consent of Mary Elizabeth Patton.