Tinga Tinga Art
Tinga Tinga art has its roots in the African tradition to decorate the hut walls. This has been observed especially in south Tanzania, the homeland of the Tinga Tinga painters and Edward Saidi Tingatinga. The paintings were painted by pigments found in nature. The motives were animals and people. One such painting was documented already in 1906 by a German explorer Karl Weule.
A wall painting found in the homeland of the painters. Photo: Karl Weule 1906
It was first in 1968 when Westerners learned about this art through Edward Saidi Tingatinga who painted on the square wooden sheets by the enamel colours. After the death of E.S.Tingatinga the painters called a meeting where they decided to call all these paintings "Tinga Tinga". The paintings have high glans which is intensified by the strong and vibrant colours. Usually they are surrounded by the black frame.
A painting on a hut wall in southern Tanzania. Photo: Ilona Fuzekova
The paintings by E.S. Tingatinga were so popular that they were demanded in high numbers by tourists and expats living in Tanzania. The painters has soon noticed which paintings were popular and has further developed them. In this regard both painters and art lovers has participated in the Tinga Tinga art style. It has reflected even in the materials used. The wooden sheets were replaced by canvas for easier transport by air planes.
Edward Saidi Tingatinga with a painting (left) and with his wife Agatha, who died in 1995. Photo: Jesper Kirknaes
Edward Saidi Tingatinga was born in 1936 in the village Namochelia in south Tanzania. He was the first born child of Agnes Mtembo. While his mother was of Makua tribe his father was of Mngindo tribe. Later Agnes gave birth to three more children with another men. All are dead accept Galusi.
Galusi and his wife (left) is the only living brother of E.S.Tingatinga. Photo: Daniel Augusta
As an young man Edward Saidi Tingatinga left his village in south Tanzania and went to Dar es Salaam to find a job. Luckily he had an uncle called Mzee Lumumba there who helped him. Tingatinga started to sell vegetables, then he decorated walls as he has done in his village. He was also a good dancer and through the dancing group he got a government job at the Muhimbili hospital. When his living was secured he married Agatha Mataka. Unfortunately he was shot accidently by a trafice police in 1972 leaving behind two children - Martina and Daudi
Daudi and Martina Tingatinga are living in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. They are now painting at the Tingatinga Cooperative. Photo: Daniel Augusta