First Day Of School

First Day of School – Shona Sculpture by Joe Mutasa
For Sale ($16,800) | Hand-Sculpted in Springstone with Golden Opal, Dolomite & Verde Inlay
Dimensions 79x20x31 inches

First Day of School is a Shona sculpture by Joe Mutasa—a poignant tribute to the tender transition of childhood into the wider world. Meticulously hand-sculpted from richly textured Springstone and adorned with Golden Opal, Dolomite, and Verde inlay This piece captures the heartfelt bond between parent and child at a pivotal moment in life.

The sculpture portrays a graceful mother gently leaning over her young child. Guiding them forward with poise, love, and reassurance. The child’s wide-eyed curiosity and the mother’s composed strength are masterfully conveyed through Mutasa’s signature stylization. Elegant elongation, smooth curves, and expressive contrast between polished and textured surfaces.

Renowned for his refined, emotionally resonant figures. Joe Mutasa is a celebrated figure in the Shona sculpture movement. His work often centers on the themes of nurture, dignity, and transformation. Rooted in Zimbabwean culture and universal in meaning. First Day of School exemplifies his ability to evoke complex, shared experiences with striking simplicity and grace.

Whether placed in a modern gallery, home interior, or cultural space. This sculpture serves as a timeless meditation on growth, love, and the quiet strength of familial support. Every line and gesture speaks to the universal journey of stepping into the unknown, guided by care and trust.

First Day of School is a standout piece for collectors of African contemporary art and admirers of emotionally charged, figurative sculpture.

Curated by ZimSculpt, the leading Shona Sculpture and Zimbabwe Sculpture art exhibitors.

Read More about artist – Joe Mutasa