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Watching Eagle is an exceptional and unusual artwork by one of the greatest names in Zimbabwe’s ‘Shona sculpture’ movement.
Bernard Matemera’s work is often much larger, and often features metamorphic forms inspired by Shona spiritual beliefs. This early work (the certificate dates it to 1976) has a simpler form – an eagle watching its prey – and you can feel its beady eyes upon you!
This sculpture was part of the Permanent Collection of the respected Chapungu Sculpture Park in Harare, Zimbabwe. The current owner purchased it when the gallery was in liquidation in 2014. A Chapungu certificate accompanies the piece, in addition to the usual Guruve literature.
N.B. The stone is serpentine, but it’s a very soft variety, closer to soapstone. Therefore, Watching Eagle is definitely for indoor display only. In the early days of the sculpture movement, the artists tended to use much softer stones than they do these days, so it adds to its authenticity. Note also the eyes, which are in an early style for Bernard – his eye style is one of the diagnostic characteristics of his works.
Imperial measurements are:
12″ x 16 9/10″ x 4 3/10″ and weight 22lbs
UK clients are welcome to collect from us in Hertfordshire, or arrange a viewing by appointment, or contact us to purchase.
We offer worldwide shipping via tracked courier in a fully lined made-to-measure crate.
Overseas clients please email us for a shipping quote;
remember to include your delivery address (including post/zip code) and contact phone number.
