"Spirit of the Matopos" Stone Sculpture by Fair Makunde

Country of Origin

• Hand carved in Zimbabwe

Dimensions (in inches)

• Depth: 9" 
• Width: 20" 
• Height: 35"
• The dimensions include the square base, as shown in the photos.

Artist Biography: Fair Makunde

Fair Makunde is a stone sculptor whose work captures the deep connection between nature and human emotions. Born in March 1997 in Chitungwira, he grew up surrounded by the rugged beauty of the Domboshava hills, which sparked his love for the organic shapes and textures you see in his sculptures.
He learned the craft from his father, Rangarirai Makunde, who was inspired by the well-known Zimbabwean artist Gladman Zinyeka. Fair started working with opal and serpentine but it was a chance discovery of limestone that really fired up his passion for stone carving.
His pieces mix traditional carving with fresh, creative touches, often taking on abstract forms. Fair draws inspiration from the landscapes he knows so well and the legacy of his family’s artistic roots.

Material: Springstone

• Springstone comes from the Guruve mine in northern Zimbabwe. It is one of the hardest stones found in the country and has an elevated density allowing it to be polished to a bright shine. Springstone contains high deposits of iron which can sometimes be seen in a reddish-brown outer layer on the stone. The iron also makes it an incredibly hard stone to carve by hand.
  
• One of the most famous 1st generation carvers, John Takawira, was said to have coined the name 'springstone' when he tried to carve the stone and it was so dense and strong that the chisel sprung off the stone, hence the name 'springstone'.

Display

• The square wooden 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:

• Shipping for large or fragile pieces 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
  
• Delivery in the New York area is available.

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.