Shona
Shona sculpture is the name given to a modern movement of stone carved sculpture created in Zimbabwe. It gets its name from the ‘Shona’ tribe of people (actually a mixture of many similar tribes with closely related language and culture) who are the largest in Zimbabwe. The country itself gets its name thanks to the Shona people’s long artisanal tradition of stone working, meaning “house of stone”. The traditional stone carving of the Shona people was never particularly wide-spread or as culturally significant as it is in modern times however. Stone work was primarily done for construction or decoration, with one such key example being the Great Zimbabwe Settlement. This was a sixty acre city which was constructed from carved stone, and housed up to 18,000 people at its height. Now a world heritage site, this 11th – 15th century city demonstrates the historic skill and innovation of the Shona tribe.
The Shona relationship with the ground and the stone it provided in abundance was linked closely to their spiritual and cultural practices. As a result, it was historically the case that such works were not exported, nor created as artistic works to be enjoyed in such a way. Modern Shona sculpture is an evolution of this tradition, which begun in the mid 1900’s as an emerging artistic movement. The Shona peoples relationship and instinct to use this material creatively in a way that hadn’t been done before in the area led to a huge growth in the production and appreciation of such works. In particular, the involvement of Frank McEwen, and English artist, teacher and museum work was instrumental in bringing this burgeoning movement to international attention. His efforts led to the founding of the National Gallery of Zimbabwe, and his enthusiasm to help give the Shona people a voice through their art lead to the first generation of renowned Shona artists gaining international attention. Works by artists such as Bernard Matemera, Henry Munyaradzi, and Sylvester Mubayi now sell for upwards of six figures, and their works are coveted and highly respected.
The Shona art movement is relatively young, and is still evolving and growing. The refreshing design and traditional approach of Shona sculptors make their works popular and attractive to collectors and art lovers the world over. The uniqueness of the subject, style and material of these pieces means that their popularity and desirability is certain to continue growing as more of the world becomes aware of the talent and skill of these artists.
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Female
Proud Woman by Patrick Sephani
Original price was: £450.£360Current price is: £360. inc VATProud Woman by Patrick Sephani, Lemon Opal Stone
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Abstract
Willingness To Give by Misheck Nyamapfeka
£1,250 inc VATWillingness To Give by Misheck Nyamapfeka, Avocado Stone,
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Abstract
The Best of Love by Willard Bopoto
£4,990 inc VATThe Best of Love by Willard Bopoto, Avocado Stone
Abstract Zimbabwean Shona Sculpture in a beautiful avocado stone. Green infinite curves bend and twist around themselves creating a stunning outdoor garden focal sculpture
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Abstract
Feeling of Happiness by Willard Bopoto
£21,990 inc VATFeeling of Happiness by Willard Bopoto, Avocado Stone
Abstract Zimbabwean Shona sculpture in a beautiful avocado stone. Green infinite curves bend and twist around themselves creating a stunning garden focal sculpture
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Body
Standing Tall by Innocent Nyashenga
£1,080 inc VATStanding Tall by Innocent Nyashenga, Stone , Lepidolite
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Abstract
Finding my way (Antelope) by Fungai Dodzo
£474 inc VATFinding my way (Antelope) by Fungai Dodzo, Stone , Springstone
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Biggie Chikodzi
With All My Heart by Biggie Chikodzi
£450 inc VATWith all my heart by Biggie Chikodzi, Stone , Springstone
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Abstract
Protective Parent by William Wilberforce Chewa
Original price was: £3,000.£2,000Current price is: £2,000. inc VATProtective Parent by William Wilberforce Chewa, Opal Stone
Abstract figures – one larger than the other to represent the parent and child. Shona Stone Sculpture.
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Alfred Mutuke
As Long as You Love Me by Alfred Mutuke
£4,500 inc VATAs Long as You Love Me by Alfred Mutuke, Springstone,
Shona sculpture of two tall, stone, abstract birds with long necks entangled.
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Abstract
Fortune-Teller by Tendai Kapfudze
£4,800 inc VATTendai Kapfudze, Fortune-Teller, Fruit Serpentine Stone,
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Animals and Birds
Choosing a Date by William Murenza
£1,140 inc VATChoosing a Date by William Murenza, Springstone
Black and grey Shona sculpture showing three birds perched on an abstract stone tree.
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Contemporary
In Prayer by Tinei Mashaya
£4,800 inc VATIn Prayer by Tinei Mashaya, Stone
Shona sculpture depicting a woman with her hands to the sky in prayer. Black and grey sculpture with rocks at the base.
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Animals and Birds
Contently Sitting by Timothy Rukodzi
£3,360 inc VATContently Sitting by Timothy Rukodzi, Stone
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Anon Unknown
Trio Of Mushrooms by Anon. Unknown
£360 inc VATTrio Of Mushrooms by Anon. Unknown, Stone
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Abstract
Celebrating Our New One by Innocent Nyashenga
£3,000 inc VATCelebrating Our New One by Innocent Nyashenga, Stone
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Contemporary
Tell Me Your Problems by Edward Chiwawa
£7,200 inc VATTell Me Your Problems by Edward Chiwawa, Stone
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Animals and Birds
Resting Rhino by Sylvester Mubayi
£3,600 inc VATResting Rhino by Sylvester Mubayi, Stone
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Abstract
Bust of a Young Man by Sylvester Mubayi
£1,440 inc VATBust of a Young Man by Sylvester Mubayi, Stone
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Contemporary
Adviser by Jonathan Mhondorohuma
£1,140 inc VATAdviser by Jonathan Mhondorohuma, Stone
Shona sculpture of a black stone figure with a bald head, sat with his right leg crossed over his left. He has his eyes closed as if to show him contently listening.
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Animals and Birds
Presence in Parenting by Tonderai Marezva
£2,400 inc VATPresence in Parenting by Tonderai Marezva, Springstone
A Shona sculpture made of Springstone which is showing two birds, one is higher up and looking down at the other bird which is looking upwards. They are perched on top of a tall stone.
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Abstract
Deep in Thought by Nicholas Mukomberanwa
£9,600 inc VATDeep in Thought by Nicholas Mukomberanwa, Serpentine Stone
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Abstract
Burden of Knowledge by L. Takawira
£4,800 inc VATBurden of Knowledge by L. Takawira, Springstone
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Abstract
Warm Feelings by Faniza Akuda
£4,800 inc VATWarm Feelings by Faniza Akuda, Serpentine Stone
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Figurative
Humble II (small) by Misheck Makaza
£1,200 inc VATHumble II (small) by Misheck Makaza, Opal
Unique Shona sculpture of a abstract figure in a humble pose with their hands on their lap. Made from Opal stone.
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Abstract
Carrying my Vision (1979) by Taylor Nkomo
£3,540 inc VATCarrying my Vision (1979) by Taylor Nkomo, Serpentine Stone
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Animals and Birds
Whale Dive by Peter Chidzonga
£600 inc VATWhale Dive by Peter Chidzonga, Springstone
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Animals and Birds
Calling My Mate by Innocent Nyashenga
£850 inc VATCalling My Mate by Innocent Nyashenga, Rose Quartz Stone
Abstract Simplistic Shona Sculpture of a Bird with its neck curved in. The carved stone is light pink and white in colour.
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Animals and Birds
Tiger Fish by Edmore Chijumani
£600 inc VATTiger Fish by Edmore Chijumani, Butter Jade Stone
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Abstract
Family Dynamics by Alex Mazarura
£600 inc VATFamily Dynamics by Alex Mazarura, Serpentine Stone
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Brighton Bere
We are Family by Brighton Bere
£1,140 inc VATWe are Family by Brighton Bere, Rose Quartz Stone
Abstract and simplistic Shona stone sculpture of a family of three in a light pink stone.
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Andaminyo Chihota
Scratching my Wings I by Andamiyo Chihota
Original price was: £720.£540Current price is: £540. inc VATScratching my Wings I by Andamiyo Chihota, Serpentine Stone
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Contemporary
Woman of Authority by David White
£13,200 inc VATWoman of Authority by David White, Springstone & Inlays Red Jasper & Leopidolite & Avocado & Dolomite
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Abstract
We Belong Together by Fungai Dodzo
£34,000 inc VATWe Belong Together by Fungai Dodzo, Springstone
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Abstract
Proud of my looks by David White
£14,400 inc VATProud of my looks by David White, Springstone
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Abstract
Meditating by Godfrey Kurari
£2,100 inc VATMeditating by Godfrey Kurari, Fruit Serpentine Stone
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Abstract
Feeling the Movement by Victor Matafi
£33,600 inc VATFeeling the Movement by Victor Matafi, White Dolomite