Zimbabwe means Great Stone House.
It is fitting that stone sculpture is the art that most represents the people of Zimbabwe and one which they have become world-renowned for.
History Of Shona Sculpture In Zimbabwe
In about 1250, stone structures began to be constructed at Great Zimbabwe, comprising drystone walls forming enclosures, platforms to support huts and a massive enclosure containing a conical tower. Great Zimbabwe was the capital of the rulers of a society that drew its wealth from both cattle-keeping and trading with the coastal states of… Read more
Inspiration, Technique, Training & Styles
In the early sculpture movement in Zimbabwe many artists found their inspiration from their Totems or from the Supernatural. These days many of the younger artists seem to have become disconnected to their ancient beliefs and are now working in more abstract form. Most artists are inspired by everyday life and hence the many pieces… Read more
The Generations & Female Artists
The original sculptors are termed as First Generation – there are only a handful who are still alive today and these artists are 70 years old and above. The Second Generation are around 50 years and the Third Generation, 30 years plus. Emerging now are the fourth generation who are reaching their 20’s. Of course there are… Read more
Commissions, trends & fakes
Commissions can be taken on by artists but the client should respect the artist’s interpretation! Commissions are difficult to reproduce, infact any reproduction. How can it be exactly the same as a drawing by someone else? What is in one person’s imagination is not in the others, not to mention the differences of colour in… Read more
