Focus Area 3 – Week 3 Material Culture Objects

Object 1 (Historical): Witsie for life metal doggy tag

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This is a doggy tag that I received during orientation week in 2016. We had activities that we had to take part in. One of those activities was a sort of scavenger hunt to help familiarize us with the campus. At the end of the hunt the winners received doggy tags like the one in the picture. Like the bandana I uploaded last week, this reminds of my first year when my journey began at wits. Now I’m at the end of my journey and these items mean more to me than they did a few years ago. They remind me of who I was 3 years ago and it makes me see just how much Wits has changed me and moulded me into the person that I am now. That’s why these objects mean a lot to me.

Object 2 (Ritual): My Church Uniform

The attire depicted above is the uniform that I wear to church. It is made up of a royal blue blazer with the church logo on the left, a royal blue tie with prints of the church logo, a white shirt, white pants and white shoes (this is the men’s uniform).

This outfit is very sacred to me and everyone who belongs to my church. It is not only a beautiful outfit that makes us all look uniform and united but it makes a statement, it says that I belong to the International Pentecost Holiness Church. I wear this every week when I go to a service, that’s the only time I can wear it – that’s what makes it a ritual piece. In addition to that, we are taught that it isn’t just pieces of clothing but it is very sacred and spiritual and should be treated with respect – as each of the items and their colours have meanings that are biblical or related to the christian faith.

Object 3 (Contemporary): Grey Noswal residence regalia (Sweater and a hoodie)

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For my contemporary object I chose the Noswal Regalia for 2018 seen in the images above. This means a lot to me because I am the one who designed the jacket and sweater – so it obviously has a special place in my heart, it’s like my baby. It’s beautiful to see something that is a product of my mind and my creativity go from a simple sketch to an actual piece of clothing that you can wear. I actually look at people on campus wear my work and it’s a really beautiful feeling Lol!.. I now know how designers feel.