The Mbusa or the Traditional Library

Soon after arriving at WayiWayi studios I was given a tour of the facilities that included a visit to a room that is shut away from normal daily activities. This smallish room is tucked in back of the outside studio and would be overlooked by most if it wasn’t shown proudly as a source of inspiration and strength for the Yombwe family.

The entry to the Mbusa is a busy outdoor studio

It is a Mbusa or traditional library that houses items of symbolic importance to the family. It is the storehouse of artifacts used in the traditional tribal marriage ceremony that Lawrence and Agness share as a part of their history. It clearly is a sacred space that receives visitors occasionally when there is a sincere desire to learn more of what drives the Yombwes to be who they are and do what they do.

Aguess shares the meaning of the symbols and artifacts of the Mbusa

As an artist, surrounded by others who have been inspired to teach and practise the arts, I experienced this space as a kind of central beacon that radiates a message of belief out into the studio compound and beyond. It is fitting that it is hidden away in the back of a working studio, and though the entry way is a tangle of artwork and materials, once you enter the Mbusa, things are orderly, clean, quiet, private and meditative.

There is a story and a significance to all the items and symbolic paintings that the room contains, and Agness and Lawrence have been very open about sharing and answering questions. This was my first glimpse at a sacred space that focused on the spiritual connectedness that can exist and be promoted through a lasting marriage. Like a wedding band, it is a constant reminder of the vows taken. And beyond that, it contains many objects that relate to the ongoing work that a marriage entails, with ideals for establishing relationships with the children and extended family, and reminders on how to act as your relationship is challenged.

I will focus here on a couple of items of significance that caught my attention. Both of them are artifacts made of clay. The first is hard to avoid noticing. It is a large series of clay rings that stretch over the center of the floor, and a visitor needs to be careful not to trip over it. The rings are connected by thick spokes that create "footspaces".

Negotiating this requires a helping hand

 It is used to demonstrate the reliance on each other in a partnership as a couple begins their life journey together. One partner holds onto and supports the other from outside the circle as they step through the small spaces that represent life’s significant events. The spaces are so small that one must be careful in the placement of the footing in order to travel through the labyrinth. It would be a clumsy, awkward and nearly impossible dance to perform without assistance and that, of course, is the point.

The other artifact used in the marriage ritual is a clay container that is unusual in that it has only two narrow spout like openings on either side of the jug, just large enough to take into one’s mouth. It is obvious that it is not built to contain anything other than air. The pot is used in the ceremony by the couple to show that by breathing in life’s substance in syncopated rhythm rather than at the same time, the air can be shared to sustain both.

Two spouted jugs for adults and kids

 It also shows that there can be no mutual benefit in talking at the same time, as the hot air that is put out, immediately fills the container and comes back out in one’s face. Great lesson. And in case the concept needs a refresher from time to time, how wonderful to keep the two-spout jug handy in your Mbusa as a reminder.