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Artist Carries On Zulu Ceramics Tradition Of Her Forebears

Jabulile Nala

Jabulile Nala began making pottery when she was 13 and was taught by her mother and grandmother. But the family legacy stretches back for over 100 years and the Nala name is synonymous with Zulu ceramics. The work of her mother, NestaNala, is in major collections around the world. But it can be a struggle to continue this legacy without access to markets beyond their village.

Pot by Thembile Nala

The Santa Fe International Folk Art Market offers artists like Nala and her sisters connections to more buyers, as well as training and mentorship. They often earn the bulk of their money at this market and it benefits entire communities back in their home countries. The market takes place this weekend in Santa Fe. 

Jabulile Nala firing her pots

Megan has been a journalist for 25 years and worked at business weeklies in San Antonio, New Orleans and Albuquerque. She first came to KUNM as a phone volunteer on the pledge drive in 2005. That led to volunteering on Women’s Focus, Weekend Edition and the Global Music Show. She was then hired as Morning Edition host in 2015, then the All Things Considered host in 2018. Megan was hired as News Director in 2021.
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