Calling Bird by Peter Chidzonga, Springstone, Unique, 138cm high by 30cm wide by 20cm deep, Animal and Bird sculpture

This piece by Peter Chidzonga is a unique Shona springstone sculpture that depicts a tall, elegant white bird standing upright. Its wings and long tail sweep downwards, curving gracefully to the floor. These flowing forms also act as supports, grounding the sculpture with balance and poise.

The bird’s neck bends smoothly backwards, creating a striking curve that draws the eye upward. Its head tilts with a quiet sense of motion, as though caught mid-turn. Black details define the beak and eyes, standing out boldly against the pale stone. This contrast brings the bird to life, adding intensity to its otherwise calm and fluid form.

Chidzonga carves with a refined sense of movement. Each line transitions seamlessly into the next, from the sweeping tail to the arched neck. The polished surface enhances this flow, while the tall proportions emphasize grace and stature. The sculpture feels both delicate and strong, blending natural realism with stylised abstraction.

Through its design, Calling Bird captures a moment of stillness filled with potential sound, as if the bird might call out at any moment. It celebrates elegance, rhythm, and the harmony between form and balance, hallmarks of Shona artistry.