Payment & Security
Your payment information is processed securely. We do not store credit card details nor have access to your credit card information.
Description
Dimensions: H:11.8" W:2.8" L:7.1" Weight: 5.1 lbs.
Shona Tribe Serpentine Big Five Safari Sculptures
This beautiful safari animal stone sculpture was handcrafted from serpentine stone by Zimbabwean artists. The sculpture features Africa's "Big Five" safari animals: the African Lion, African Leopard, Cape Buffalo, African Elephant, and African Rhinoceros. These animals were named the "Big Five" by big-game hunters of the past two centuries because they were considered the most dangerous to hunt, as they fought back. Zimbabwean artists are renowned for their stone carvings and are among the world's most skilled carvers. For nearly a thousand years, the Shona people have been transforming stone into works of art.
About the Tribe
The Shona ethnic group is indigenous to Southern Africa, primarily Zimbabwe, but there are significant Shona populations in South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, and Mozambique. In Zimbabwe, the Shona people make up most of the population. Stone sculpture and mbira music have made them famous around the world (mbira: an instrument made of a hollow gourd with metal reeds that the player plucks). This tribe is believed to be responsible for the construction of several ancient stone wall sites in Zimbabwe. Great Zimbabwe, an 800-hectare city that flourished between the 11th and 15th centuries AD, was built on the physical foundation of these walls. Great Zimbabwe, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site was a center for trade, and archaeologists have discovered artifacts on site from as far away as China.
About the Stone
Serpentine Stone, although this stone can be found all over the world, large deposits of it can be found in Zimbabwe. Serpentine comes in a wide range of colors and hardness, making it an extremely adaptable material. It can range from black, brown, green, even orange or yellow in some cases. Often harder Black Iron Serpentine is used due to iron concentrations present in it. It has a stunning black lustre finish that looks like black opal and is highly sought after for its exquisite finish, durability, and hardness.
Embrace the Spirit of Africa - Buy Handcrafted Art, Support Local Communities
Step into a world of authentic, handcrafted African artifacts, each whispering tales of our rich tribes.
Every purchase you make doesn't just add art to your collection, it supports our vibrant African communities. Your action keeps age-old traditions alive and empowers the passionate artisans behind each piece.
Dive into the heart of Africa today. Own a piece, share a story, make a difference. Shop now!