Stone sculpture from Zimbabwe has been called “Shona Stone 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.

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.

Chaka Chikodzi
sculptor and organizer of Africville Exhibits