'dagga boys' | pen & ink

This pen-and-ink piece portrays two old buffalo bulls — the formidable “Dagga Boys” of the African savanna. These mature males have long since left the safety of the herd, choosing a more solitary or small-group existence as they age. Their nickname comes from the mud (“dagga”) they wallow in, which cakes onto their massive bodies and helps protect them from heat, insects, and fighting injuries. Dagga Boys are known for their unpredictable temperaments and immense power. Without the security of the herd, they rely on toughness and aggression to survive, making them some of the most dangerous animals to encounter on foot. Their heavy, fused bosses — the armour-like shield across their forehead — bear the marks of years of dominance battles. Despite their strength, they are prime targets for lions, which often select older bulls as prey. The bulls, however, do not go down easily; many lions have learned the cost of underestimating them. This artwork captures their raw presence — scarred, imposing, and uncompromising — the embodiment of survival in its most weathered form.