Crime

NameWall hanging

Maker Mariam Baloi (South African)

Date2010

Place madeWinterveld, Gauteng, South Africa, Southern Africa, Africa

MediumCotton

Dimensions43 × 39 1/4 in. (109.2 × 99.7 cm)

Credit LineMuseum of International Folk Art, museum purchase, A.2020.18.2

Object numberA.2020.18.2

DescriptionWall hanging embroidered on a black background, with the theme "Crime," stitched in herringbone in the center. Crime is represented as robbery with two examples in the lower PR---in one a man with a gun faces women; in the second a man points a gun at a man walking with a cane; and in another example (upper PL) are two thieves---one holding a small bag and running from a woman along whose side is stitched "I want my money." Along a road an ambulance goes to the aid of a female victim, over whom leans another figure, a boy, who seems to hold a cell phone. Above this two men fight with knife and gun. Around these scenes on the hanging are illustrated the causes of crime---street kids; no food; lack of education. Also illustrated are scenes of daily life from doing laundry to getting water from the community tap. Also shown is a jailed perpetrator. In the center are two men standing under the South African flag with one saying: Let's talk about this. On the far left side is embroidered: Made in South Africa. 100% Cotton by Mariam Baloyi.