The Mpumalanga Traditional Art Market (MTAM) is a non-profit organisation that promotes the work of traditional women artisans from rural Mpumalanga. Every year MTAM hosts a special craft market in Joburg to celebrate Heritage Month and introduce the work of traditional craftswomen to Joburg shoppers and art lovers.<br /> <br /> The aim of MATM is to empower and uplift women from rural communities by helping them to sustain a decent livelihood through selling their traditional arts and crafts. The organisation also supports the important work of preserving indigenous knowledge and promoting local and international awareness of South Africa’s rich cultural heritage.<br /> <br /> Among the many treasures to be found at the market are extraordinary glass beaded jewellery, paintings decorated with traditional Ndebele geometric patterns, contemporary Ndebele fabrics and handmade pottery that has been made according to methods that have been passed down over several generations.<br /> <br /> With the artists themselves present at the market this is also a great opportunity to learn more about South African traditional crafts first hand, while live traditional music and jazz add to the festive atmosphere.