Context (Field collection)
This item was purchased on 18 May 2000 from the maker, Nkosinati Ntunuka, at the Pan-African Market.

This object was collected by Julia Tanner while undertaking fieldwork in South Africa from March-May 2000. The fieldwork was financed by MAA's Crowther-Beynon Fund, in order to research and update MAA's South African collections.
Event Date 18/5/2000
Author: Lucie Carreau

Context (Production / use)
The maker: Nkosinati Ntunuka was born in Umtata, Transkei, but currently lived in the Crossroads Township, Cape Town. Having acquired a sample aeroplane design from the Montebello Design Centre in Cape Town, he then proceeded to produce his own items for sale.
Event Date 2001
Author: Lucie Carreau

Context (Other)
Other items made of metal drinks cans included helicopters, cars, baseball caps, lamps, boxes, animals and flowers.
See exhibition programme in UCMAA archives, 'Durbs to Freo Wire and Metal Act. Perth International Arts Festival 2000. Exhibition of Zulu Art, 29 January- 20 February', for an overview of contemporary South African crafts and a picture of another metal can aeroplane.
Event Date 2001
Author: maa

Description (Physical description)
Small byplane made out of Coca-cola cans exhibiting the typical red and white decorative branding with slogans. Sections of cans have been cut into appropriate shapes and fixed together with wire. The propeller and the upper wing are attached with drawing pins. The plane stands on two wooden wheels attached to wire supports and the rear of the plane rests on the ground. The propeller and the wheels rotate. A “Please Recycle” logo and several bar codes also appear on the used cans.
Event Date 8/3/2011
Author: maa