Shona Verdite "Face of Thinker" Zimbabwe

I have a huge collection of Shona pieces in rapocco, green and black serpentine, leopard rock, and verdite--some are four feet tall! In our extensive time in Zimbabwe, we saw an enormous amount of wonderful sculpture. We did the largest amount of our buying from a wonderful co-op of about forty artists.

My partner apprenticed with them, and learned to repair sculpture, which she has done for galleries, museums, and private collections. Instead of putting pieces in the fire, as they do in Zimbabwe, we use space heaters, hair dryers, and pots of boiling water. ~ Elizabeth

Shona sculpture is a form of African art that originates from Zimbabwe. It is named after the Shona people who are the largest ethnic group in Zimbabwe and have been creating these sculptures for centuries. Shona sculpture has gained international recognition for its unique aesthetic, which blends traditional African styles with modernist sensibilities.

The sculptures are usually made from a variety of stones, including serpentine and soapstone, and are carved using simple hand tools. The process of creating a sculpture can take anywhere from a few hours to several weeks, depending on the size and complexity of the piece. The finished sculptures often depict human figures or animals, and are characterized by their smooth, flowing lines and abstract forms.

The origins of Shona sculpture can be traced back to the 1950s, when a group of artists began experimenting with new styles and techniques. These artists were influenced by both traditional African art and modernist movements such as Cubism and Abstract Expressionism. They sought to create a new form of African art that would reflect the unique cultural identity of Zimbabwe.

Shona sculpture has had a significant impact on the world of Contemporary art, and has been exhibited in galleries and museums around the world. It has also played an important role in the cultural identity of Zimbabwe, and has helped to preserve traditional African art forms for future generations.