Zimbabwean Stone Sculpture – the basic sculpture process
The process of creating a sculpture from hard serpentine stone requires not only technical skill but also the artistic talent to create genuine and original art. The sculptors are inspired by the form, colour and texture of the raw stone, and say that they wait patiently for it to speak to them…
When inspiration strikes, the artist will sketch out the rough shape with charcoal
and then use a punch to strip away the extraneous rock and reveal the sculpture within
A chasing hammer with a row of little teeth removes more of the rough texture
Smooth surfaces are created using a grinder (when there’s power)…
…or a file when there isn’t! A chisel is the tool for the job for any bits that the grinder can’t access.
Fine details are worked with smaller files, punch hammers and other specialised tools
Once the shaping is complete, the sculpture is washed smooth with wet and dry sandpaper, from coarse grades to very fine
Polishing is the final touch: first the stone is heated using a paraffin blowtorch or an open fire, then layers of clear wax are applied
When the stone has cooled, the artist buffs up the waxed area with a soft cloth to create the shine and give depth of colour
Guruve have worked closely with sculptors in Zimbabwe for well over a decade and we are experts in the techniques and materials used in Shona sculpture.
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Related links:
Shona sculpture movement – Zimbabwe’s art history
Shona spirit beliefs and how they inspire Zimbabwean sculpture
Types of stone commonly used by the best Zimbabwean artists
Common themes in Zimbabwean sculpture
Life as a sculptor – comments and insight from Zimbabwean artists
Young sculptors at an arts centre for aspiring artists in Zimbabwe
Care and repair – helpful guidance on looking after your sculpture
