Togetherness (Shona sculpture by Sampson Kuvenguhwa)

Sampson Kuvenguhwa is known for his powerful Shona sculptures that capture the essence of the Shona culture. In this sculpture, he has depicted a woman surrounded by her children, emphasizing the significance of family in the Shona culture. The attention to detail in this sculpture is remarkable, with each figure being intricately carved from black serpentine stone.

The woman in the Shona sculpture appears to be the center of the family, with her children gathered around her in a protective manner. The facial expressions and body language of each figure in the sculpture are expertly carved, conveying the emotions and relationships between the family members.

The size of this sculpture is also noteworthy, standing at an impressive 1 meter and 50 centimeters. The use of black serpentine stone adds to the dramatic effect of the sculpture, with the polished and unpolished areas providing contrast and texture.

Overall, this sculpture is a testament to Sam Kuve's skill as a sculptor and his deep understanding of the Shona culture. His use of the family as a central theme in his work reflects the values and beliefs of the Shona people, and his attention to detail and expert carving techniques are truly remarkable.

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Black Serpentine stone carving. Click here to learn about the stones used in Zimbabwe by sculptors.

Carved by Sam in the 2000's.   Stands about 150 cm high.

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Importance of family in Shona Culture