Nomkhubulwane’s North American migration
As part of nature, we co-exist with all other creatures. We are all interconnected, and what happens to one affects the other. This vital connectivity affirms the principle of collaboration across disciplines, using creativity to bring about a more supportive relationship between a planet in crisis, and its peoples
This was the message that Nomkhubulwane, (Nom-koo-bull-wah’-nee), the matriarchal figure of The Human Elephant Foundation, took to WILD9 in November 2009, partnered by the The WILD Foundation and the Lilleshall Trust of South Africa.
She was named by the legendary Dr Ian Player, founder of the World Wilderness Congress.
When he first saw sculptor Andries Botha’s matriarchal elephant, Dr. Player said “I saw the elephant and I lost my breath. It felt as if I had looked into the eyes of my own god!”
Standing 9 feet tall, and weighting in at 1,3 tons, she is indeed breathtaking in stature and commanding in presence. Nomkhubulwane is created out of recycled tires (materials regarded as redundant or burdensome to the planet) imbues this creative work with a powerful metaphoric references relevant to the planetary crisis we face today. We are confident that her presence will inspire and mobilise community involvement in broader human and ecological issues.
You could not have missed Nomkhubulwane at her first international destination in Mexico where she graced the World Wilderness Congress in November 2009. Now join her on her travels.
Between January 2010 and January 2011, she migrates across North America, as an ambassador of creative possibilities within the physical world. Her station in life is nomadic. Read more about her first stop at the Papalote Children’s museum >
We are looking for partners in our mission. We invite you to consider how you may invite Nomkhubulwane to your city, or organisation, to support our message.
Be Part of her Journey
See Nomkhubulwane’s schedule >
Each stop on her tour should invite its own dynamism into play in a way which creates momentum and interest…and expands information about issues of our co-existence with the earth, of migration, recycling, sustainability, the human condition, and of creativity.
She will be used processionally to draw attention to issues of human and animal migration. She may also stand in a park or corporate atrium, or be a central exhibit an art exhibition. She may be used as a metaphor for the protection of children, for the conservation of water, for the need for green spaces in cities. The only limit is your imagination!
Support Nomkhubulwane
- Host Nomkhubulwane in her migrations, please contact our North American Tour co-ordinator for further information – Janine Zagel on info (a) humanelephant.org
- Participate in an initiative already planned in your city – see the itinerary.
- Spread the word! Support us with your creative thoughts by posting information on your website, social networking site, blog or other media outlet. Add your voice through song, art or writing.
- Make a tax-deductible donation to support Nomkhulubwane’s travels. Donate today >
About The Human Elephant Foundation
The Human Elephant Foundation seeks to create the opportunity for thinkers, individual and corporate, to stimulate their imagination, and harness their creativity for the overall health of the planet. It invites partnerships between schools, universities, local businesses, cultural and creative communities and individual citizens.
It is a tax efficient vehicle to facilitate and support the development and implementation of innovative projects that address the social and ecological imbalances and vulnerabilities resulting from the human footprint.