| Zimbabweans have a history of stone sculptures that is hundreds of years old. Shona sculpture though, has become popular over the last 40 years and is now collected internationally.
The sculpture is deep in symbolism which reflects the richness of the culture.
Most of the stones used are millions of years old and some such as verdite, butter jade and leopard rock are only found in Zimbabwe and South Africa.
The name Zimbabwe literally means "House of Stone". The Shona make up about 75% of the population and this is where the sculpture gets its name, although sculptors come from neighboring countries and other ethnic groups. Over 200 different stone colors have been geologically catalogued in Zimbabwe. All of the different stones are used to create sculptures that speak truth to culture and that evoke feelings of harmony and peace. |
