Spirit of Bernard Takawira by M Nyakusvora, Springstone, Unique, 126cm high, 66cm wide, 51cm deep, Rock, Stone, Abstract sculpture

This piece by M. Nyakusvora is a unique Shona springstone sculpture measuring 126 cm high, 66 cm wide, and 51 cm deep. The work presents a large block of stone, its natural surface left largely untouched. From within this raw form, abstract carvings emerge, smoothed and polished to create striking contrast against the rough exterior.

The polished areas flow across the surface like quiet openings, their curves and lines guiding the eye through the piece. These sections catch the light, creating depth and texture while highlighting the stone’s natural variations. The surrounding raw surfaces provide weight and grounding, keeping the sculpture connected to its origins.

Nyakusvora’s approach emphasizes balance between what is carved and what is left whole. The interplay between smooth and rough surfaces creates rhythm, while the restrained carving leaves space for interpretation. The stone itself becomes both subject and medium, with its untouched presence carrying as much importance as the polished areas.

Spirit of Bernard Takawira celebrates material and form. It honours the Shona tradition of working with stone in ways that highlight its natural qualities while shaping it into something expressive. Strong, grounded, and contemplative, the piece offers a quiet yet powerful presence.