Shona Stone Sculpture ~ Zimbabwe

Description

Lovely Shona Stone Sculpture from Zimbabwe. This piece is one of four stone sculptures that I have available.  I believe they were all purchased together (I received them from the same person).  Measures 6.75 inches tall x 4.75 inches wide.
Shona sculpture is world renowned among discerning art collector
s "Though Shona Sculpture is sometimes compared to the work of Picasso, Brancusi, Modigliani or other Western masters, the Shona of the mountain highlands had never seen their work. Isolated from the West by geography and politics, the Shona looked within for inspiration – within their own land, within their own spiritual legacy." –Anthony and Laura Ponter, Spirits of Stone
The word Shona is the name of an ethnic group in the small Southern African country of Zimbabwe. People of the Shona share the same language have similar cultural roots and traditions. It is out of this culture, the mythology, folklore, rituals and beliefs in ancestral spirits and tradition that the expression of the stone art is derived. Shona sculpture embodies, and is shaped by the physical and spiritual world of the artist. Most Shona sculptors believe that the spirit of the sculpture is in the stone and they are the channels through which that spirit whispers and is released. The sculptors are self-taught and often don’t use modern machinery or artistic techniques to realise their masterpieces.
While the popularity of Shona sculpture is still mainly in the domain of an artistic elite and is sought after by collectors and investors worldwide, it has become a little more mainstream in luxury decorating. The stone, serpentine, used to bring the unique sculptures to reality is formed millions of years ago and can be found in Zimbabwe with colors ranging from black and green to yellows, orange, grey, red, and even purple. Other stone commonly used by the sculptors include, Opal stone, Spring stone, Sapolite and Verdite. Verdite is the Green Stone of Africa, A semi-precious stone over 3,500,000 years old. The rare and beautiful verdite comes in a variety of changing patterns and shapes, ranging from golden brown to a rich emerald green and blue.
Once fashioned by the artists, there are no two pieces alike because of the natural patterns of the rock and the artist’s vision. Early connoisseurs include, Prince Charles, the Rothschilds, Rockeffellers and other international luminaries.
My pictures are a big part of my description, so be sure to look at them carefully and ask any question that you might have before bidding. Thanks for looking. Be sure to check out my other listings for more great items. I will gladly combine auctions to save on shipping costs.
All of my items are pre-owned unless otherwise specified. I do my best to describe each of my treasures to the best of my ability. I will always point out any flaws or abnormalities that I find. Not being an expert however I may miss something now and then. If this should happen please let me know so I can rectify the situation. Also if you see I have misidentified something or you have information that you feel to be valuable about an item, please feel free to contact me and let me know. I really would appreciate it!
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Items will be shipped within 3 business days (but usually 1) after receiving clear payment. I only ship within the United States.
I
always take plenty of photos and provide detailed descriptions of the items I am selling. Therefore, you are asked to please check ALL posted photos and review the description before purchasing an item. Before listing, I clean and inspect all items for neatness and accuracy. However, if a problem with the purchased item arises, I assure you it will be handled swiftly and with respect and kindness.
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