Herdman

Though best known for his relief prints, Muafangejo also created etchings. “Herdman” depicts a solitary figure holding two staffs and accompanied by four black and white cows. The composition is similar to other depictions of men herding animals by Muafagenjo, some of which he described as ‘good shepherds’ in reference to his Anglican beliefs. The style of staffs and the man’s attire suggest this image may refer to Kwanyama tribal life. Muafangejo looked after cattle as a youth, and the interrelationship of humankind and animals is a recurring theme in his prints. A curious element in this etching is the hind leg and curling tail of a clawed animal behind the herder. The head of the animal is not visible, but it may be a lion, an animal that appears regularly in Muafangejo’s narrative imagery. From an edition of ten, this print is apparently scare; it is illustrated and described as “unaccountable” in the catalogue of Muafangejo’s graphic work.