Owl by Bernard Matemera

Owl by Bernard Matemera is a 1st Generation Shona Sculpture. This museum-quality piece by First-Generation icon Bernard Matemera (1946–2002) is a powerhouse example of early Shona stone art. Completed in October 1976 during the peak of the world-famous Tengenenge Sculpture Community, “Owl” perfectly captures Matemera’s signature raw, expressive, and deeply spiritual style.

Originally brought into South Africa directly by Tengenenge founder Tom Blomefield, the sculpture was later acquired by prominent collector Fran Mortimer and bequeathed to her daughter, Bryony Mortimer—giving this historic work an impeccable, unbroken chain of provenance.

• Artist: Bernard Matemera (1st Generation Master)

• Title: Owl

• Creation Date: October 1976

• Origin: Tengenenge Sculpture Community, Zimbabwe

• Dimensions: 80 cm H x 60 cm W x 55 cm D (Approx. 31.5″ H x 23.6″ W x 21.6″ D)

• Provenance: Direct from Tom Blomefield $\rightarrow$ Fran Mortimer $\rightarrow$ Bryony Mortimer

• Significance: A monumental early work by a world-celebrated master whose works grace major international public and private collections.

An extraordinary, investment-grade center-piece for serious fine art collectors, institutions, and major private collections.