Waiting by Timothy Rukodzi, Serpentine Stone, Unique, 12cm high, 20cm wide, 15cm deep, All Sculpture, Hippo, Animals and Birds, Nature, Water Creature sculpture, Hippopotamus
The African Shona serpentine stone sculpture of a resting hippopotamus is a remarkable example of Zimbabwean artistry, celebrated for its ability to convey both physical presence and spiritual depth through stone. Made from serpentine, a hard, fine-grained stone that ranges in color from deep green to black, the sculpture often displays natural marbling or streaks that the artist incorporates into the design. Shona sculptors carve the stone using traditional hand tools, shaping it with care and then polishing it to a glossy finish, which brings out the stone’s veining and enhances the sense of vitality within the form.
The hippopotamus is depicted in a resting pose, lying on its belly with legs tucked under or slightly splayed, which conveys relaxation and groundedness. The sculpture’s form is rounded and smooth, emphasizing mass and presence rather than intricate details, and the proportions balance realism with abstraction. Features such as eyes and nostrils are subtly indicated, giving the animal a calm, meditative expression while allowing the viewer to focus on its overall shape and energy.
In Shona culture, the hippopotamus can symbolize fertility, strength, and protection, and its restful posture may evoke peace, stability, or contemplation. Shona stone sculptures often carry a spiritual dimension, inviting viewers to connect with the natural world, the energy of the animal, or ancestral forces.
The sculpture has a visual weight and presence that conveys solidity and calm, while its polished surface interacts with light to highlight the gentle curves and natural patterns of the stone. The resting hippo radiates serenity, combining realism with abstraction in a way that is both immediate and meditative. More than a mere representation of an animal, this work embodies the Shona tradition of transforming stone into a physical and metaphysical expression, merging artistry, symbolism, and a deep reverence for nature.
