Lepidolite Ankh Necklace Zimbabwe Mzimba Collection

The pendant in the image is an Ankh, an ancient Egyptian symbol representing "life" or "eternal life". It is also known as the "Key of Life" or "Key of the Nile".

This pendant is carved from Lepidolite, a stone known for its soft shades of lavender and purple, often naturally mixed with Quartz. The marbled blend of purple and white gives each piece a unique, natural pattern. It is strung on a black cord for convenience.

Lepidolite is often associated with calm, balance, and emotional well-being. It is commonly regarded as a soothing stone believed to encourage relaxation, inner peace, and gentle support during times of change. This necklace comes from the Mzimba Collection.

In 1997, Elizabeth and Sara stumbled upon an exceptional carver, Lawrence Mzimba, at a quaint craft market in Zimbabwe. Enthralled by his exquisite verdite pendants, they made a landmark purchase, becoming his most significant sale yet. A surprise email from Lawrence in early 2013, sparked by spotting one of his remaining pendants on their website, reignited their connection. Thrilled at the prospect, they eagerly embraced the opportunity for more of his remarkable work, having struggled to locate him during their subsequent travels to Africa.

During their recent trip to Africa, Elizabeth, and Sara joyously reunited with Lawrence Mzimba, acquiring an impressive array of hand-carved Shona stone pieces. This diverse collection encompasses abstract faces, miniature busts, wildlife like rhinos, elephants, birds, rams, and iconic figures such as the Zambezi River God, Nyami Nyami. While Shona stone possesses strength, it's susceptible to scratches, urging careful handling.

Each piece in this assortment bears the distinctive signature of the artist, Lawrence Mzimba, a skilled artisan born in 1965 in Harare. Since 1994, Lawrence has dedicated himself to full-time stone carving, fashioning captivating creations and an array of stone and cow bone pendants.