Muchenje From Esther Mutobaya

Zimbabwe – ZW004A
Composition: Termite Mound Earth
Colour: Red
Shape: Raw

Some people in the Zimbabwean village of Takaruza eat the local earth known as Muchenje. It comes from termite mounds. People say that this earth is sweet, compared to the earth outside of the mounds. It has clay, sand, probably limestone, a bit of topsoil, and little rocks in it. Apart of eating the earth is used for making bricks for construction. We exchanged Muchenje for the samples from the Museum of Edible Earth coming from other countries. This sample was given to us by Esther Mutobaya, and collected by her son next to the river.

The Museum of Edible Earth has gone on a research trip in Zimbabwe at the Animal Farm Artist Residency. By creating a space that offers various types of exchanges through international activities and events, the Animal Farm Art Residency in Zimbabwe facilitates a series of developments aimed to foster creative practice connected with contemporary peers all around the world. It is a collaborative resolute to the cultural enhancement of the rural community. Inspired and influenced by the power of creativity, the residency programme endeavors to provide a stage for growth and development. We have warmly been hosting there by Tanyse Van Vuuren and Admire Kamudzengerere.

To discover more about the Animal Farm Artist Residency, connect to their online platform http://animalfarmresidence.co.zw/