This striking sculpture of an elegant lady is a fantastic example of John Takawira‘s work. He is one of the most famous names of the so-called ‘first generation’ of artists of the Shona sculpture movement. We are advertising it for sale on behalf of a private collector.
A Zimbabwean friend explains the title: “In the olden days you would always hear some people giving this comment, ‘ane shave reDona’. Translated this means, ‘She has the spirit of a Dona’. The characteristics of a Dona spirit is that the possessed is always extraordinarily smart and doesn’t want any dirt around. She keeps her house smart and if you walk in with dirty shoes she would make sure the floor is cleaned after. When they are doing ceremonies, they wear white clothing.”
This piece is one of the last sculptures John made before he died in 1989. The respected Matombo Gallery of Harare, Zimbabwe bought it directly from John. In 1999, Matombo exhibited it at the Zimbabwe High Commission in London. Subsequently, Matombo placed the sculpture on consignment with a private collector who later sold it to its present owner.
The sculpture is in immaculate condition, having recently been fully restored by Guruve. Detailed provenance accompanies the piece, including a Matombo certificate of authenticity along with letter of provenance from the seller.
This piece is in the UK and will be shipped from there;
P&P at buyer’s expense.
