See my Newborn by Tinei Mashaya, Springstone, Unique, 115cm high by 70cm wide by 49cm deep, Body, Children, Family, Figurative, Male, Men, People, sculpture
This piece by Tinei Mashaya is a unique Shona stone sculpture carved from dense, richly textured springstone. In this work, Mashaya captures an intimate and tender moment: a father gently cradling his swaddled infant.
The male figure radiates both strength and serenity. Mashaya shapes his broad shoulders so they curve protectively around the newborn, forming a quiet shelter with his own body. The posture feels intentional and grounded. Though stylised, the emotion reads clearly. The father lowers his softly defined face toward the child, expressing reverence, pride, and love. The baby rests securely in his arms, small and protected within his steady embrace.
Mashaya highlights the natural beauty of springstone through careful carving and polishing. He contrasts smooth, luminous surfaces with subtly textured areas, creating visual and tactile depth. The polished finish of the infant’s form underscores its fragility, while the father’s solid mass conveys stability and reassurance. As light moves across the flowing contours, it strengthens the sense of connection between the two figures and deepens the emotional resonance of the piece.
Rooted in the Shona tradition of storytelling through stone, See My Newborn honours fatherhood with rare sensitivity. Mashaya does more than depict a man holding a child; he reveals the quiet awe, responsibility, and joy that define the moment. The sculpture stands as a timeless tribute to love, protection, and the enduring bond between parent and child.
