AN INTRODUCTION TO SHONA SCULPTURE 
The history of Zimbabwe and its sculptors are inextricably linked. The Shona word ‘Zimbabwe’ translates to ‘house of stone’ as is derived from an ancient empire that thrived in the country from 11th to 15th centuries. Shona is the dominant tribe in Zimbabwe, as well as the name of the language. 

Shona sculpture as an art form only emerged in Zimbabwe in the 1960’s, when the first generation of sculptors started to experiment with indigenous stone. This art movement is not dominated by one particular style, but by many varying aesthetics and visual perspectives depending on the artist and the type of stone, the most frequently used belonging to the geological family Serpentinite. It is a sedimentary rock, originally deposited on a sandy seafloor. 

The sculptures reflect the Shona’s intimate relationship with nature, a belief that nothing which exists naturally is inanimate. Their strong spiritual and cultural association with the land and reverence to the natural world dictate the aesthetic language of their carvings. They embrace abstract forms and diverse themes that depict the human experience, spirituality, and nature which began as a means of connecting with their ancestors and expressing their cultural identity. It is worth noting that Picasso was heavily influenced by African sculptures and masks, which he studied in the early 1900’s.

Shona sculptures can be found in galleries, museums and public spaces worldwide, appreciated for its distinctive aesthetics and cultural significance. The sculptures continue to evolve, with artists incorporating contemporary influences whilst staying true to their ancestral roots. It serves as both a source of income and as cultural preservation, enabling one sector of the Shona community to sustain their heritage and support their families. 

DAVID WHITE (b.1987) is one of Zimbabwe’s up-and.coming sculptors. He went to school at his rural home in the northeastern rural home, an area abundant with Serpentine stone. At a young age he learnt to sculpt by observing others in the local community, developing his own style pertaining to the female form and an extraordinary femininity, the hair meticulously carved in unique shapes which require skill, patience and focus. He is now based at the Harare studio of the world famous sculptor Dominic Benhura. 

LEONARD SEZHENDO (b. 1984) lives and works in a rural area outside the city of Harare where he has developed his own unique style resisting influence from other local sculptors. His sculptures are entirely hand carved. His pieces speak of the fundamental human experience relating to the family unit. Warmth, love and playfulness is communicated in a profoundly simple and direct way which is both rare and refreshing. 

EDISON SEDA (b.1977) in the Zambezi valley in Zimbabwe. His sculptures are inspired by animals, trees, birds and people of the area. Beautiful abstract elephants, heads of animals and star gazers in groups or singles are amongst his most recent works. Since the beginning of his career in 1993 he has been based in Harare, and more recently at the studio of Dominic Benhura. Under Dominic’s guidance his sculpting has become unique with well executed simple lines. 

GARRISON MACHINJILI  (b. 1966) in Harare works full time on his sculptures at the studio. He learnt his skills as an assistant to the famous Zimbabwean sculptor Tapfuma Gutsa in 1980.  Garrison focusses purely on the female torso in various types of stone, some of which are over 3 metres in height portraying a powerful sense of confidence in his work. Garrison’s sculptures have been exhibited and collected world wide, he is considered one of the most sought after mature sculptors of Zimbabwe. 

BOET NYARIRI (b. 1977) is a young emerging artist from Mhondoro, Zimbabwe. His sculptures have a distinct and unique style. They are inspired by women and children with textured and patterned textiles carved into the stone as clothing with a precise sense of aesthetics and balance. As with most young artists his works are relatively small scale, whilst he builds up his confidence and budget to venture towards larger pieces which will certainly be appearing in the future.  Exhibiting his work regionally and internationally, he has won several national awards, and works full time at Dominic’s studio.