Reinata Sadimba was born in 1945 in the village of Nemu, Mozambique. Daughter of farmers, she first received the traditional Makonde education that included making utilitarian objects in clay. Following the departure of her husband, and the death of six of her eight children during the war of independence, Reinata Sadhimba began to make clay figures (traditionally men's work among the Makonde), having been inspired by a dream about clay and money.

When asked the meaning of her work the artist stated: "Hunger and drought. This is why I make pots; because there is no water and we have no food to eat."

In 1975 she initiated a departure from her original style, becoming known for her "weird and...