Supportive Family by Cuthbert Tendai. Serpentine Stone, Unique, 36cm high by 28cm wide by 12cm deep, Abstract, Figurative, Family, Love sculpture
This Shona table top sculpture depicts a family of three in an abstract form. The three heads are positioned closely together, suggesting a tender moment shared between two parents and their young child. Carved by hand from Serpentine Stone, the figures radiate serenity and contentment. Moreover, the warm tones of the stone enhance a sense of safety and security, inviting viewers to feel the intimate bond within the family.
The piece was crafted using traditional Shona techniques. Cuthbert Temdai shaped the stone with hand tools such as hammers, chisels, and files, gradually revealing the smooth, abstract forms. He then refined the surface with sandpaper and finished it with heated, colorless wax, giving the sculpture its polished, tactile quality. These steps highlight the skill and patience required to transform raw stone into an expressive, emotive artwork.
Cuthbert Temdai was born in 1966 in the rural district of Chikomba. His artistic foundation grew from his parents: his father, a carpenter, taught him woodworking skills during high school, while his mother, an accomplished clay pot artist, inspired his creativity. As Cuthbert explains, “Art is in my genes.” Later, while working as a carpenter for a kitchen cabinet company, he adapted his carpentry skills to stone carving. Over time, he mastered the techniques necessary to become a full-time sculptor, developing a distinctive style that combines traditional Shona methods with contemporary abstraction.
Through this sculpture, Temdai conveys more than form, he conveys emotion, family connection, and cultural identity. The result is a warm, engaging piece that celebrates both the intimate bonds of family and the rich heritage of Shona stone carving.
