What Are Shona Sculptures? A Beginner’s Guide to Zimbabwean Stone Art.
What Are Shona Sculptures?
A Beginner’s Guide to Zimbabwean Stone Art
If you’ve ever found yourself captivated by the graceful lines and earthy textures of hand-carved stone art, you may have already felt the pull of Shona sculpture — a powerful, expressive, and deeply spiritual art form rooted in Zimbabwean tradition.
At Surrendering to Stones, these incredible sculptures are the heart of what we do. But what exactly are they? Where do they come from, and why do they hold such powerful presence?
Let’s take a gentle step into the world of Shona stone art — a place where spirit, culture, and craftsmanship meet.
Who Are the Shona People?
The Shona people are the largest ethnic group in Zimbabwe, with a rich history that stretches back over a thousand years. Deeply connected to the land, the Shona have long expressed their cultural stories, spiritual beliefs, and ancestral reverence through various forms of art — most famously, stone carving.
While stonework has existed in Zimbabwe for centuries, what we now know as modern Shona sculpture began to gain international recognition in the mid-20th century. Since then, it has flourished into one of the most respected contemporary art movements in Africa — and indeed, the world.
What Makes a Shona Sculpture?
Each Shona sculpture is hand-carved by an artist using simple tools — often a hammer and chisel — to reveal the form hidden within a raw piece of stone. The process is slow and intentional. There are no shortcuts, no machinery, and no mass production.
These artworks are typically carved from locally sourced stones like:
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Springstone – a hard, dark, and durable stone, perfect for both indoor and outdoor display.
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Opal Stone – a softer, pale-toned stone with subtle patterns; best kept indoors.
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Serpentine – one of the most common stones used, available in a variety of colours.
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Cobalt Stone – known for its bold colour variations and rich, dense feel.
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Verdite – a semi-precious green stone prized for its deep hues and spiritual significance.
The themes of each piece are often deeply symbolic — depicting elements of family, unity, spirituality, ancestry, and the natural world. Even abstract pieces often reflect emotional or energetic states that connect us to something deeper.
Why Do They Feel So Powerful?
There’s something incredibly grounding about Shona sculpture. Perhaps it’s the weight and texture of the stone, the sense of movement in each curve, or the quiet strength each piece radiates. Many people describe them as more than art — as companions, or anchors for their home or garden.
Every sculpture is one-of-a-kind, infused with the energy, skill, and story of the artist who shaped it. No two are ever the same.
A Connection Across Continents
By bringing Shona sculptures to Australia, we’re sharing more than beautiful art — we’re offering a bridge to another culture, and an invitation to welcome something timeless into your space.
Whether you’re just discovering Shona art for the first time, or have loved it for years, we invite you to explore our collection and see which piece speaks to you.
Your journey with stone starts here.