Genandendal-meubels as materiele manifestasie van die Morawiese pietisme

[摘要] Genadendal furniture was made in the small Moravian mission settlement of Genadendal(situated in the Overberg area of the Western Cape) during the late 18th and early 19thcenturies. Genadendal furniture not only illustrates the impact that the immigration ofEuropeans had on the development of a unique Old Cape furniture tradition, it alsoemphasises the influence that a specific world view or philosophy of life had on thedesign and manufacture of furniture.The origins of the old Unitas Fratrum can be traced back to the late 14th century inancient Moravia and Bohemia (today part of the Czech Republic). This mission societycame to South Africa due to the missionary zeal of the Renewed Moravian Church, whichwas renewed mostly through the efforts of the German Earl Nicolaus von Zinzindorf. Asexponent of Radical Pietism this society accepted the task of worldwide missionary work.By the end of the 18th century there were already more than 18 Moravian missionstations scattered all over the world.One of the most prominent characteristics of the Moravian church was the importanceattached to the fellowship of the faithful, and the social organisation resulting from it.Everything in the Moravian community was done to signify the equality of all peoplebefore God, expressed by standardised dress, traditions and social organisation. Theyfunctioned as independent, self-sufficient communities. Various trades and workshopswere established in these communities to further the ideal of self-sufficiency. Themissionaries from Europe were all qualified artisans, and they trained members of theircommunities in the various trades. The pervading spirit of independence equipped theseartisan missionaries extremely well to transplant the Moravian furniture styles andtraditions to South Africa.Genadendal furniture bears silent witness to the Moravian obsession with simplicity andquality. This furniture style with its simple, straight lines formed part of the Neo-Classicalstyle popular at the Cape at the time.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University