Goddess Statue

Goddess Statue – A Universal Symbol

A goddess statue is an enduring symbol that is timeless and universal. This female deity subject can represent various stages of female existence, including childhood, pregnancy, motherhood, wisdom of advanced years, among others. Goddess art is typically symbolic of the shared human experience, celebrating family, relationships and nature through the artist’s unique personal expressions.

Enter Shona African Art Gallery

African Goddess of Folklore in Statuesque Beauty

Shona stone sculptures embody figments of African goddess folklore, such as Ani-lbo (goddess of birth, death, happiness and love), Bastet, (goddess of protection), Bes (African goddess of childbirth and family, protection for children, pregnant women and families), Hathor (goddess of love and joy), Isis (goddess of protection and magic), among others. Other sculptors tend to create an African goddess of their own vision without a name or identifiable face.

Goddess Art Starts with an Apprenticeship of Master Carvers

All Shona artisans embark upon an apprenticeship to learn the fundamentals of stone carving:

  • Choosing a medium, such as serpentine, verdite, springstone, African butter jade and rapoko, which feature a myriad of vibrant colors—reds, greens, yellows, and oranges with unique veining.
  • Recognizing and harnessing the qualities of the medium within the sculpture.
  • Creating a sheen that brings life to the sculpture through buffing and burnishing heated waxed surfaces.

Although the process is similar, each hand-sculpted Shona goddess statue is a true original, revealing the artist’s mental image and creative genius, as well as the characteristics of the stone used to enhance goddess art.

Humanitarian Outreach through Shona Stone Sculptures

Muvezi imports quality Shona stone sculptures to North America to support the rebuilding of this celebrated but vanishing art form, due to grave economic conditions within Zimbabwe.

Creating a partnership with these creative souls suffering despair and poverty, Muvezi not only generates economic opportunity but provides top-quality stone, tools and other needed supplies for these communities. Please read Our Story and learn more about the humanitarian efforts of Muvezi and how you can play a vital role in the revitalization of splendid goddess art.