This is the muroora (pron. mu-roar-a), the young bride – the idealised version of womanhood. She is a common theme in Zimbabwean sculpture, as she encapsulates Shona culture’s most valued feminine qualities.
This striking sculpture is an early example of the work of the late great Joseph Ndandarika. Joseph’s work rarely comes onto the open market, as most pieces are prized possessions in private collections. So this is a super opportunity to acquire a lovely ‘Joseph’; it would make a great addition to any serious Shona sculpture collection.
Its significant age is further supported by the fact that the stone Joseph has used is of a kind not used by Zimbabwe’s contemporary sculptors. It has such a high iron content that this type of springstone is incredibly hard and heavy, and rings like a bell when struck.
Guruve is offering Young Bride for sale on behalf of a private collector who acquired it in 2014, from a gallery in Zimbabwe. This particular sculpture had been part of the gallery’s Permanent Collection for many years. It bears the Permanent Collection number deeply incised into the back. Rather curiously, it is right over the artist’s signature – though this is still legible (see photo of the back).
A certificate of authenticity from the Harare gallery with its identifying number (and also one from Guruve) accompany the piece.
This sculpture is in the UK and will be shipped from there;
P&P at buyer’s expense.
Payment can be in pounds, or in USD equivalent – approximately $15,000 (as at March 2023).
Imperial measurements are:
13.6″ (h) x 6.7″ (w) x 5.9″ (d) and 24 1/4 lbs.
