BORN:
Born in Malawi, moved to Zimbabwe in 1918.
EARLY LIFE:
Josiah Amanz moved to Zimbabwe as a child when his father took work as a builder on a tobacco farm. His father also carved masks to supplement his income, and Amanz learned carving techniques from him at a young age. He spent his early years helping on the farm in the mornings while developing his carving skills in his spare time.
LIVES:
He lived and worked in Zimbabwe.
CAREER:
Amanz began sculpting in stone in 1967, becoming part of the early development of the Zimbabwean stone sculpture movement. He worked on a farm that later became central to this movement, especially after its closure in 1979 during the war. The farm’s owner, Tom Blomefield, played a key role by allowing artists access to abundant serpentine stone and supporting a growing community of sculptors. Amanz was among those who continued working there, contributing to the rise of this internationally recognised artistic movement.
MATERIALS:
Primarily serpentine stone and other locally sourced carving stones.
STYLE AND SUBJECTS:
His work reflects spiritual themes influenced by his Yao cultural background. He frequently carved forms inspired by birds and human faces, often imbued with symbolic and expressive qualities.
AWARDS AND EXHIBITIONS:
Amanz was part of the Zimbabwean stone sculpture movement, whose artists gained international recognition through exhibitions and collections worldwide. He remained active in his practice into old age, continuing to carve at 81.
PERSONAL LIFE:
He was married to sculptress Janet Manzi, and together they had seven children.
Animals and Birds £850 inc VAT