Tambika

The Shona Tribe

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Zimbabweans are primarily split into two ethnic groups. The Shona (71%) and the Ndeble (16%).

The Shona are a tribe whose roots stretch back to the first millenium. The best known period during this time was called "Great Zimbabwe" and it represented a time of considerable cultural and economic achievement. Gold had been the mainstay of Great Zimbabwe's trade but Copper and Iron both played a significant part in its trade during the 13th and 14th Centuries.

Great Zimbabwe's fortunes began to decline during the late 15th Century which ironically coincided with the arrival of the first Europeans. Its artistic heritage too underwent a reversal but in recent times this has been revived and we are proud to be able to display and market some of the unique and beautiful works which you will find amongst our stock.

STONE CULTURES OF ZIMBABWE

Stone is a very old medium for artistic expression in Africa and probably dates back several hundred years.  However the Shona Art Movement of the 20^th Century first began to emerge in the early sixties.  Frank McEwen, the then director of the National Art Gallery in Zimbabwe, encouraged artists and small workshops of artists. 

When Zimbabwe was still Rhodesia (it gained independence in 1980), it was decided that a national gallery of art should be built in its capital, Salisbury.  Frank McEwen was the first director of this gallery and was resident there from 1956 to 1973. 

It was not until 1971, when McEwen organised a critical exhibition in the Musee Rodin in Paris that the artists began to gain the recognition they deserved.  This show was responsible for the serious assessment of the sculptures by the established art world.  Virtually every piece was bought by collectors and art lovers; some of which remain in important collections today.  Consequently many regard Frank McEwen as the ‘Founder’ of the movement.

   Out of these beginnings have risen some of the most famous names in African art history, such as Nicholas Mukomberanwa, Henry Munyaradzi, Joram Mariga et al.

We are now coming up into the second and even third generation of artists from this era and with this we see more than ever, the great diversity of impressions and materials used. 

Today, the World-renowned stone sculpture of Zimbabwe is its best-known fine art. 

Simple yet wonderfully expressive, Shona works are the kind that often change the perception of sculpture and African Art.  Zimbabwe stone sculpture is thought to be the most significant art movement to evolve in Africa during the latter part of the 20^th century. 

  Much of the art is powerfully humanistic, portraying messages in a figurative or abstract manner and conveying emotional values such as family, love and mother and child.  The artisans use different types of material and are particular fond of Serpentine. 

Chapungu Sculpture Park near Harare is a place where much is done nowadays to promote this amazing art form.