1920sLarge Hand-Carved Shona Serpentine Stone Couple Sculptur

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Large Hand-carved Shona Serpentine Stone Couple Sculpture

Measures 8 1/2" wide, 4 1/2" deep and 15 1/2" tall.

This is … Read more Large Hand-carved Shona Serpentine Stone Couple Sculpture

Measures 8 1/2" wide, 4 1/2" deep and 15 1/2" tall.

This is an authentic Shona stone sculpture, hand-carved in an abstract Ukama (Loving Family) style. The piece beautifully depicts an intimate, stylized embrace between two figures. The negative space carved through the center forms a silhouette reminiscent of a heart, which symbolizes deep unity, love, and partnership. It is hand-carved from serpentine stone, a highly versatile mineral prized for its varying shades of dark greens, browns, and blacks. Shona artisans traditionally select their own stones and carve using manual tools like chisels. The smooth, fluid curves are achieved through precise sanding, after which the stone is coated in hot beeswax to highlight its deep, rich coloration and natural patterns.

These pieces were purchased originally from the late Aunt of one of my clients. She was the Director of the Peace Corps in Nepal and worked throughout Africa from the 1940s to the 1980s. See less