The Laughing Man by Samson Kuvhengurwa, Serpentine Stone, Unique, 11cm high by 20cm wide by 17cm deep, Abstract, Male sculpture

The Laughing Man by Samson Kuvhengurwa is a unique Shona sculpture carved from serpentine stone. Measuring 11 cm high, 20 cm wide, and 17 cm deep, the piece depicts an abstract face with exaggerated features. A large hollowed-out mouth stretches along one side, creating the impression of open laughter.

Unlike highly polished works, this sculpture embraces the raw quality of the stone. Much of the natural grain remains visible, giving the surface texture and grounding the form in its material origins. Despite this, the carved details stand out clearly, eyes, mouth, and contours are easily read as a face. This balance between natural rock and human expression gives the piece both character and immediacy.

The broad, open mouth dominates the composition, drawing attention and setting a playful, humorous tone. The face appears alive with expression, yet retains an abstract quality that keeps it from being literal. Light shifts across the uneven surfaces, catching on carved ridges and disappearing into the hollowed mouth, adding depth and shadow to the work.

Compact in scale but rich in presence, The Laughing Man carries both humour and earthiness. Kuvhengurwa transforms unpolished stone into an expressive portrait, celebrating the natural beauty of the material while capturing joy in its simplest form. The result is a lively and distinctive sculpture that stands out through personality and texture.