"Fluid Resilience" Female Sculpture by Witness Bonjisi

Country of Origin:

• Hand carved in Zimbabwe

Dimensions (inches):

• Depth: 16"
• Width: 22"
• Height: 60"
• The dimensions do NOT include the metal base.

Material: Green Opal Stone

• Green Opal is sourced in the mines north of the Zimbabwean capital of Harare.  After polishing, it becomes a deep beautiful green. It is favored by many Shona artists as it is not as hard as Springstone but it still polishes to a high shine. The first Green Opal mines were not found until 1989.

Display:

• The metal base shown in the photos is included with the piece.
• This piece is suitable for both indoor and outdoor display, as the stone is weather-resistant. Let us know your intended display location, and we’ll ensure the base is appropriate. Shona sculptures make a stunning addition to any garden design!

Shipping & Delivery:

• Shipping for large or fragile pieces like this is determined on a case-by-case basis, as custom crates may be required for added protection. To ensure you receive the best shipping rate, we calculate costs after purchase. For a shipping estimate on the large pieces, please give us a call! 212-838-3650 or email info@hemingwayafricangallery.com
• Each shipment includes a declared value, requiring a signature upon delivery for added security.
• Delivery in the greater New York area is available via truck. 
• International Shipping: We ship around the world! Our website cannot process automatic international shipping rates. Please contact us directly for custom shipping quotes outside the continental U.S.A., (including Hawaii and Alaska).
• The Myth of Free Shipping: Free shipping often means the cost is hidden in the product price, a common tactic that can mislead buyers. In fine art, transparency matters—buyers shouldn’t pay for shipping they don’t use. That’s why our pricing is straightforward, without hidden fees, ensuring fairness whether you pick up your art or have it shipped.

Artist Bio: Witness Bonjisi

Born in 1975 into a family of seven and is younger brother to renowned sculptor, Lameck Bonjisi. His other brother Tafunga Bonjisi is a sculptor whose pieces can also be found at Hemingway Gallery. Witness attended primary education in Domboshava, Chinamhora and then completed his secondary studies in Mabvuku, near Harare.

Witness started sculpting at age 17 with Nicholas Mukomberanwa (one of the most famous first-generation Shona sculptors), as did his brother Lameck. Witness then moved on to sculpting with his brother Lameck of whom he was inspired by. Five years later he started sculpting his own works. Witness has flown to America and Switzerland attending workshops and exhibiting. His sculptures can be found throughout the world in private collections and galleries.

About Shona Sculpture:

Stone sculpture from Zimbabwe, emerging in 1956 and thriving to this day, is celebrated as a cornerstone of African contemporary art. Northern Zimbabwe is uniquely rich in carvable stone, so central to the culture that the country’s name, 'Zimbabwe,' derives from a word meaning 'house of stone.'

Shona sculpture is rooted in tradition rather than formal training. Skills are passed down through generations, with artists using only a hammer and chisel to transform large, hard stones into masterpieces.

Hemingway Gallery has been working directly with Shona artists in Zimbabwe since the early 1980s, importing their monumental stone artwork to share with the world. These exceptional sculptures are unmatched in craftsmanship and design.

Over the years, Hemingway Gallery has collaborated with legendary first-generation artists like Sylvester Mubayi, Henry Munyaradzi, Nicholas Mukomberanwa, Bernard Matemera, Colleen Madamombe, Fanizani Akuda, and Josiah Manzi. Today, we proudly continue this tradition, partnering with current artists such as Bywell Sango, Perlagia Mutyavaviri, Witness Bonjisi, Tafunga Bonjisi, Douglass Goshami, Dominic Benhura, Nesbert Mukomberanwa, Godfry Matangira, Remember Chikuruwo, and many others.

Click the Shona Sculpture tab below for further information!

Our Pricing:

Our pricing is directly aligned with the asking prices set by artists in Zimbabwe and the costs of importing their artwork to the U.S. It’s time to challenge the misconception that African artists’ work should be undervalued. Supporting our artists by ensuring they are paid fairly for their fine art is our top priority, and our pricing reflects this commitment.

Further Information:

Please email us at info@hemingwayafricangallery.com or call 212-838-3650 with the SKU # for further information on this piece.