Sculptors search fields for the stone that speaks to them. When they find it, they use their gifts to chisel away and bring out the stones "spirit". This sculpture truly has a spirit. You can see it in these photos, but you can feel it when you gaze at the sculpture in person.
The family dynamics are written in Shona Law. Sekuru means "uncle" in Shona and represents the most intimate relationship a son will have. This relationship is looked upon as playful and cordial as U.S. modern day "best friends".
Sekuru is only referring to a nephew's (muzukuru's) mother's brother. The maternal family is usually much more accessible than the father's. The father may have more than one wife, therefore, the children are closer to their mother's family because they are of the same blood.
Although the Sekuru/Muzukuru relationship is informal, the Sekuru does deserve a certain amount of respect from his nephew. There is a strong line of communication in the relationship.
This sculpture is 18" tall, 9" wide, and the depth is 16". It weighs 44.8 pounds.
It was carved from semiprecious verdite, one of the rarest and most precious stone used for Zimbabwean Shona stone sculpture. It is also one of the most difficult because it is the hardest stone used.
It was carved from semiprecious verdite, one of the rarest and most precious stone used for Zimbabwean Shona stone sculpture. It is also one of the most difficult because it is the hardest stone used.
Posts
