"Tsalwa: The Materiality of Stories" is a compelling collection that showcases Fumani Maluleke’s innovative use of Xitheve (traditional reed mats) as both medium and message. Rooted deeply in his Limpopo heritage, Maluleke’s work intricately weaves memories, ancestral narratives, and cultural symbolism into the textured surfaces of the mats. Each piece serves as a living archive of rural South African life, reflecting themes of home, community, land stewardship, and the intimate ties between people and place. Through the skilled manipulation of natural fibers, Maluleke challenges conventional notions of painting and sculpture, inviting viewers to experience the tactile and visual richness of cultural storytelling. The collection is a tribute to the stories passed down by grandmothers and elders, transformed into contemporary art that bridges generations. This collection underscores the enduring power of material culture to preserve identity, history, and collective memory.