Soapstone: Shona Sculpture

Soapstone: Shona Sculpture

Soapstone: Shona Sculpture

Soapstone: Shona Sculpture

Soapstone: Shona Sculpture

Soapstone: Shona Sculpture (About the Shona Sculpture)

Soapstone: Shona Sculpture

Zimbabwe, Africa

About the Shona Sculpture (From The Smithsonian handout):

“The Shona are a Bantu-speaking African people primarily located in Zimbabwe. The name, Zimbabwe, is a Shona word meaning ‘Great House.’

“Some believe the Shona to descend from the ancient people who created “Great Zimbabwe,” an ancient trading center active during the Iron Age 2,000 years ago up until the mid-15th century. The ruins of “Great Zimbabwe,” visible today, testify to the advanced architectural, artistic, and technological skills of these people.

“Despite cultural and political intrusions by the British and the Ndebele in the 19th and 20th centuries, the Shona have preserved much of their culture, including their language and religion.

“Our hand carved sculpture, rendered in the style of contemporary Shona sculpture, is highly representative in theme of the Shona religion, which centers on a belief in the primacy of ancestors and power of family.

“Income from [The Smithsonian Institution’s] sales supports the chartered educational purposes and activities of the Smithsonian Institution.”

 

1 pound/ 8.75 ounces

695.5 grams

 

Smithsonian Institution Gift Shop

Unknown date

Soapstone: Shona Sculpture