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ZimSculpt

Curators of Zimbabwean Sculpture Worldwide

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Totems & Traditions

One of the earliest known Zimbabwe Traditions is the use of Totems and these are often depicted in the sculptures you see throughout the country.

These Totems also know as mitupos were used by the MaShona to identify the different clans that made up the ancient civilizations of the dynasties. The symbols are usually associated with animal names and provide the social identity of the clan. They are also meant to guard against incestuous behaviour and to praise someone in recited poetry.

Zimsculpt - RBG - 2013 (8 of 25)

There are at least 25 identifiable totems and 60 principal names in the contemporary MaShona society. Totems are usually animals and body parts. Examples include Fish Eagle, Zebra, Lion, Monkey, Elephant or leg, heart and lung, etc.

People of the same totem are descendants of one common ancestor and the MaShona recognize this totem unity even across tribal boundary lines.

Totem identity is very important at traditional ceremonies.
For example, a person of the same totem, even when that person is from a different tribe, can initiate burial of the deceased. However, a person from a different totem cannot initiate burial and if he does, he risks paying a substantial fine to the family of the deceased.

About ZimSculpt

Based in Harare, ZimSculpt is passionate about promoting the work of some of the finest Zimbabwean sculptors. By holding exhibitions around the world and making sculptures available for purchase online, we let you experience some of the finest contemporary stone sculpture.
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Current Exhibition

  • Fort Worth Botanic Garden, Fort Worth , Texas
    15 April – 30 July

Partner with ZimSculpt

ZimSculpt partners with people around the world. Contact us if you are interested in hosting an exhibition or are interested in selling our sculptures.
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Past Exhibitions

  • Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens, USA (2022)
  • Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Garden, United States (2021 & 2017)
  • Toronto Botanical Garden, Canada (2019 & 2018)
  • Toledo Botanical Garden, United States (2017)
  • Muttart Conservatory, Canada (2015)
  • Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, United States (2014-15)
  • The Royal Botanical Gardens, Canada (2012-13 & 2006-7)
  • Dow Gardens, USA (2013)
  • Naples Botanical Garden, United States (2012-13)
  • Loseley Park, UK (2004-6 & 2011)
  • RHS Chelsea Flower Show, UK (2006-11)
  • Knebworth House, UK (2008-10)
  • Herstmonceux Castle (Queens University), UK (2008-10)
  • Cannizaro Park, UK (2005-7)
  • Ingatestone Hall, UK (2003-5)
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It is extraordinary to think that of the ten leading sculpture carvers in the world, perhaps five come from one single African tribe, the Shona. These marvelous Shona sculptors from Zimbabwe speak for Africa but they also speak for us all; they restore a dignity to art which it is in danger of losing.

The Sunday Telegraph
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