"Traditional Dresser" is an original opal serpentine sculpture signed by the Zimbabwean artist Washington Msonza. The sculpture features a single elegant figure in a flowing gown, standing tall and averting her gaze as she clutches the veil that envelops her. Msonza emphasizes the materiality of the work, as is so desired of artists trained in the Shona tradition, by differentiating between the dark, smooth polish of her skin and the lighter textured surface of her clothes. Even more, passages of the surface are left in the serpentine's rough natural state, allowing the green-colored stone to contrast with the red-orange oxidization of its environment. opal stone (serpentine) 37.5 x 12.5 x 13 inches signed "Msonza W" on reverse along base Overall good condition; some minor scratches, likely as the sculpture left artist's studio. Washington Msonza was born in 1966 in Domboshava where he attended primary school. He then moved to Chitungwiza to attend secondary schooling. While in school, he spent most of his time watching his brother-in-law Albert Mamvura also a sculptor, whose workshop was close to his house. In 1988 Msonza began assisting Albert full time, while simultaneously gaining experience by watching other well known artists in the area including Gedion Nyanhongo, Biggie Kapeta and Locardia Ndandarika. He began by sculpting smaller works, and later began creating life-size sculptures. Washington’s great-aunt Locardia Ndandarika conveyed to him the ability to develop a feeling for what he calls” Imagination of the stone’s soul” or the capability to foresee a hidden sculpture in the unhewn stone. An important thematic foundation if inspiration for Washington lies in the Shona myths which were told to him during childhood. He preferably chooses Black Serpentine and Springstone as media for his sculptures, contrasting polished and differently hewn unpolished surfaces. His graphic figures radiate a deep inner power offering interesting perspectives through the unique three-dimensional qualities. Washington Msonza’s work can be marveled at galleries in the USA, South Africa, the Netherlands, Germany and Zimbabwe. His early work can be seen at Nhukutu Gallery, in the Chapungu Sculpture Park and in Springstone Gallery. In 1991 he participated in the annual heritage exhibition of the Zimbabwe National Gallery. In 2000, Msonza represented Zimbabwe in the Changschun International Sculpture symposium in China.
Item specificsConditionUsedAn item that has been previously used. See the seller’s listing for full details and description of any imperfections. See all condition definitionsopens in a new window or tabSeller notes“used item in very good condition with a couple minor wear marks.”FeaturesstoneRegion of OriginafricaFormatStatueHandmadeYesItem Width11cmProduction TechniqueCarvingItem Length16cmItem Height33cmSubjectAfrica, Family, LoveSizeLargeCountry/Region of ManufactureZimbabweMaterialStoneCultureAfricanPeriodPost-War (1940-1970)Certificate of Authenticity (COA)NoTime Period Produced1970-1979ArtistunknownStyleAbstract, AfrofuturismSignedNoOriginal/Licensed ReproductionOriginalUnit of SaleSingle PieceThemeArtTypeSculptureEANDoes not apply
Art Category: Shona Stone Sculpture Title: "The Village Prince" Artist: Sekesayi Mangenda Stone Type: Butter Jade Dimensions: Height= 10 inches Width= 5 inches Depth= 4 inches Country of Origin: Zimbabwe ______________________________________ PS: Display stand NOT included
The stone sculptures from Zimbabwe in South Africa are now among the most important new art forms of this century. Shona sculptures combine tradition with feelings and personal expression.
This Shona Stone sculpture is handcrafted by the Shona artisans in Zimbabwe, Southern Africa. This African art form is known as Shona sculpture because it is hand-carved by the Shona people of Zimbabwe. The Shona people have been hand sculpting stone into works of art for nearly a thousand years. Even though the craft is ancient, the style has continually evolved, and the carvings created today are both beautiful and elegant. The contemporary, yet eternal, shape of these sculptures brings splendor to the home and compliments any decor. The themes these sculptures portray represent esteemed values in the Shona culture of family, love, life, and nature. Ethically & sustainably handcrafted Measures Approximately 10" H x 6" W x 3" L Weighs approximately 9 lbs Material: Opal Stone Handmade in Zimbabwe, Southern Africa YOUR PURCHASE MAKES A DIFFERENCE This beautiful work of art was purchased directly from the Shona artists in Zimbabwe. We source our handmade Shona products through a small family-run supplier in Harare who has been working with and supporting these talented artists for over 10 years. Your purchases of these products help provide stable employment and basic needs for many dependents at a time when unemployment and inflation in Zimbabwe are at unimaginable levels. All our products are Fair Trade with the artists either working for themselves or working in co-operatives. The items purchased from our Shona artists support the indigenous tribes of Zimbabwe. We believe that it is now more important than ever to keep supporting these artists during these increasingly difficult times as the ability of these artists to support their families depends on our purchases.
Abstract Shona sculpture - Van Dusen Gardens, Vancouver photo Lorna flickr The emergence of Shona sculpture: Shona sculpture has been accepted as one of the most important art movements to emerge from Africa in the twentieth century, successfully combining traditional artistic beliefs with contemporary styles. The nascent 'Shona sculpture movement', which began in the fifties, has grown to be regarded as an art renaissance, as it had evolved, without hardly any sculptural heritage, into an art genre displaying vigor, spontaneity and originality in an area of Africa previously dismissed as artistically barren in the visual arts.
Henry Munyaradzi is the best-known artist in Zimbabwe's sculpture movement. View our collection of authentic artworks by this most sought-after artist.
Art Category: Shona Stone Sculpture Title: "The Lovers" Artist: Andimio Chihota Stone Type: Serpentine Dimensions: Height= 9 inches Width= 5 inches Depth= 4 inches Country of Origin: Zimbabwe ______________________________________ PS: Display stand NOT included
Edward Chiwawa is the oldest surviving 'first generation' Shona sculptor, as he is now about 90 years old. He's still sculpting and his distinctive style makes his work instantly recognisable and very sought after.
The stone sculptures from Zimbabwe in South Africa are now among the most important new art forms of this century. Shona sculptures combine tradition with feelings and personal expression.
Abstract Shona sculpture - Van Dusen Gardens, Vancouver photo Lorna flickr The emergence of Shona sculpture: Shona sculpture has been accepted as one of the most important art movements to emerge from Africa in the twentieth century, successfully combining traditional artistic beliefs with contemporary styles. The nascent 'Shona sculpture movement', which began in the fifties, has grown to be regarded as an art renaissance, as it had evolved, without hardly any sculptural heritage, into an art genre displaying vigor, spontaneity and originality in an area of Africa previously dismissed as artistically barren in the visual arts.
Since his 'discovery' by Guruve in 2010, Tonderai Sowa's career has accelerated in leaps and bounds. In 2014, he was one of four Zimbabwean artists to participate in an Artist Exchange in Angola. He is one of Guruve's most popular artists.
Artist Bio: Tafunga Bonjisi Tafunga Bonjisi, hailing from the notable Bonjisi family of Zimbabwean sculptors, stands out as a prominent artist in the contemporary Shona stone art's third generation. Born in 1982 and twin to Garikai, Tafunga spent his formative years in Ruwa and concluded his education in Tafara. His early interest in stone sculpture led him to his elder brother, Lameck, an accomplished sculptor who had trained under the renowned Nicholas Mukomberanwa. Under Lameck's mentorship, Tafunga refined his craft. Starting in 2000, Tafunga developed his signature style. While rooted in traditional Shona techniques, his works are distinguished by their balance and finishing. He often chooses robust stones like Springstone, Cobalt, or Opal for his creations, with a special focus on representing the human form. Through his pieces, Tafunga continues the Bonjisi family's rich tradition in Zimbabwean stone art. Country of Origin: Hand carved in Zimbabwe Dimensions (inches): Depth: 4" Width: 19" Height: 19" Type of Stone: Dolomite Dolomite is a beautiful white or pink stone that resembles marble. The crystals of dolomite sparkle in the sun It is found throughout Zimbabwe and is composed of calcium, magnesium and carbonate. Display: This piece can be displayed outside as weather will not harm the stone. Shona sculpture is the perfect addition to any garden design! Shipping & Delivery: Subsidized Fragile shipping with FedEx Ground: $150 A declared value is included in each shipment so a signature upon delivery is required. Delivery in the greater New York area is available via truck. We ship around the world! Our website is still new and is not yet processing automatic international shipping rates. Please contact us directly for custom shipping quotes outside the mainland USA (including Hawaii and Alaska). About Shona Sculpture: Stone sculpture in Zimbabwe, dating from 1956 until today, is the best-known manifestation of African contemporary art. Northern Zimbabwe has uniquely large amounts of carvable stone. The stone was so important to the people that the name Zimbabwe is derived from a word in their native language that means ‘house of stone.’ There is no technical artistic training in Shona sculpture. Sculpting skills are passed down through families and the large and hard stones are carved with only a hammer and chisel. Hemingway Gallery purchases this sculpture directly from the Shona artists in Zimbabwe and has imported the monumental stone artwork since the early 1980s. These fine modern sculptures are unparalleled in both carving skill and design. Hemingway holds long-standing relationships with artists like Bywell Sango, Sydney Majengwa, Witness Bonjisi and many more. Click the Shona Sculpture tab below for further information! Our Pricing: Our pricing correlates directly to the asking prices of artists in Zimbabwe and the costs of importing their artwork to the U.S. We need to change the idea that artists should be paid pennies for their fine art just because it comes from Africa. Paying a fair price to our artists is our number one priority and our pricing reflects that. Further Information: Please email us at [email protected] or call 212-838-3650 with the SKU # for further information on this piece.
Hand-carved Shona Stone Sculpture from Zimbabwe By Richard Makombe
The bigger figure at the back is the man, the smaller one in front is the woman. They are dancing together – their bodies lean across each other; the movement at the top of the sculpture follows their arms as they move through the air. This stunning sculpture is one of the outstanding pieces from …
“Her man has bought her a necklace as a gift; she’s delighted with it and she’s put the necklace on to show it off to her friends.” This astonishing sculpture is one of the highlights of this year’s collection. It’s really unusual to see such a large piece of semi-precious stone – it’s huge, and …
Henry Munyaradzi is the best-known artist in Zimbabwe's sculpture movement. View our collection of authentic artworks by this most sought-after artist.
Abstract Garden Sculpture Measurements: H 60x L 35 cm
Mystery in Stone exhibition at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Harborne The Exhibition is committed to the direct support of Zimbabwean artists, their families, community and the education and care of the family members of Mystery In Stone artists lost to AIDS. www.mysteryinstone.com/
Family Conference by Gladman Zinyeka - Shona Sculpture, Kirstenbosch
Sylvester Mubayi is a venerated old man, one of the first generation of Zimbabwean sculptors to achieve international exposure and acclaim. His life and work is guided by Shona culture and beliefs, and as an elder he teaches and advises the younger members of his community through metaphor and storytelling.
Carved African terracotta pot Art is an integral feature in defining a culture and all the mysteries, diversity and complexities of Africa can be found in their artistic expression. Terracotta sculptural figures and heads were discovered from the Nok culture of Nigeria dating back to 500 BC and they demonstrated a strong abstract figural interpretation in their art. The Kongo people and the Sherbro from Sierra Leone were famous for their stone sculptures while the Benin were known for their ivory carving. The origin of the bronze casting tradition began with the Igbo-Ukwu tribe of Nigeria around the
Sylvester Mubayi is a venerated old man, one of the first generation of Zimbabwean sculptors to achieve international exposure and acclaim. His life and work is guided by Shona culture and beliefs, and as an elder he teaches and advises the younger members of his community through metaphor and storytelling.
