The Mava Field School, founded by the Institute of Creative Repair, in collaboration The Herd, takes its name from the Xhosa word “Mava,” which means “experience” or “experiences.” True to its name, the school is rooted in the idea that knowledge is best gained through lived experience and meaningful interaction.

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This ground breaking initiative is dedicated to preserving and passing on indigenous knowledge—especially traditional craft skills. Rather than treating these traditions as something frozen in time, the school champions active research, hands-on documentation, and the evolution of knowledge in real-world contexts.

The Mava Field School uses the PPIS methodology —Participant Research, Place-based Documentation, Interdisciplinary Corroboration, and Situational Learning. Developed by the Institute of Creative Repair, this approach supports the sharing of knowledge in dynamic, collaborative ways, keeping both the physical and intangible elements of heritage alive.

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Creative Conservation

Artists, designers and makers who participate in the Mava Field School are 'creative conservationists'- using their own creative practices to honour, conserve and build on traditional knowledge, techniques, processes and materials. 

Mava Field Schools Venda Edition brought together 28 indigenous knowledge researchers, artists and crafters in and around Thohoyandou, Limpopo Province, South Africa,  to document and learn ‘in situ’ from 4 Venda Crafts Masters: Pottery Master Rebecca Matibe, Wood Sculptor Hendrik Nekhofhe, Bracelet-making Master Tshavhungwe Mbovane and Drum-making Master Ennos Phalanndwa. The knowledge they documented was subsequently shared with a group of 16 predominantly artists and designers, who drew from this and the collection of Venda'craft' at DNMCH, to inspire their own creative projects. to learn directly from Master crafters