Stone
sculpture from Zimbabwe has been called 'Shona
Sculpture', named after the largest tribe in
Zimbabwe. Stone has played a fundamental role in
the lives of Zimbabwean people for generations,
whether for building houses or creating sculpture.
It is fitting that Zimbabwe's name is derived from
the Shona phrase dzimba dzamabwe, meaning 'great
house of stone'. Zimbabwean sculpture became
commercialised in the 50's by the first Director of
the Zimbabwean National Gallery, Frank McEwan, who
saw the potential for artists to develop the means
to continue this tradition. Hence, a positive
relationship has been fostered between Western
art-lovers and Indigenous Zimbabwean
sculptors.
Today,
the success of certain Zimbabwean sculptors, like
Dominic Benhura or the late Joram Mariga, has
granted the genre respect on an international
scale. The profession is a dynamic and
multi-faceted way of life, where artists engage
with clients from around the world, often competing
with many talented sculptors for a sale.
Ultimately, sculpting is an empowering way to
celebrate Zimbabwean culture while at the same
time, earn a living. It is truly an intriguing and
complicated industry. Africville remains the only
North American sculpture business run and owned by
an Indigenous Zimbabwean sculptor.
Sculpture
out of Zimbabwe astonishes viewers, who must
question their preconceptions of African art, and
admit the incredible talent of the artists. In the
increasingly depressing economic situation in
Zimbabwe, sculpting is more useful than ever
before. Not only does sculpting provide a career
for many Zimbabweans, it also offers an avenue by
which to express their concerns, reflections and
desires in this politically tense environment. The
subject matter of the work ranges from celebrations
of womanhood, to birth and death. The natural world
is another popular area of exploration for
sculptors, who often use nature to represent
Zimbabwe's indigenous peoples' rural roots and
gratitude for ancestors. Sculpture celebrates
Zimbabwean roots culture, and is a means to deal
with present-day tribulations. The sculptures are
un-pretentious, charming and unrelentingly
positive.
