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“Marriage is a bond between two families.”
Traditionally, in Zimbabwe, the marriage of two young people was negotiated by senior family members. This approach acknowledges that a marriage contract unites not only husband and wife, but also their wider families. The bride leaves her family to join her husband’s, so all her future labour and all the expected children accrue to his family. Her health and education, the result of prior investment by her family, also influence this future productivity. The lobola, or bride wealth, is agreed between the families. It puts a financial value on the bride in the present, and the groom must pay his in-laws.
Significantly, this marriage negotiation is so important to Shona society that the position of mediator has a special name, the munyai.
And what an impressive sculpture Nesbert has created to express this process! At the base, the stone either side of the circular hole represents the two families. Moving upwards, they are united by the marriage. As the couple start a family, their growing family success is represented by the solid upper part of the sculpture.
Plus, what an interesting piece of stone, with such subtle colouration and internal structure. Helpfully, Nesbert’s minimalist approach to sculpture also frees us, the viewer, to appreciate the beauty of the material.
TIP: Display this sculpture in a well-lit location, either indoors or outdoors, so that all that detail in the stone can be seen.
Imperial measurements are:
31 1/10″ x 15″ x 4 1/10″ and weight 77.1lbs
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.
