Over 500 Color Variations in Mermaid Sculpture
The water spirit, or mermaid, has special significance in the spiritual mythology of the Shona people of Zimbabwe. Handed down by folklore, the Shona believe that, as inhabitants of their lakes and rivers, water spirits are the sacred teachers of traditional healers, the N’angas (Nganga).
To release the essence of this spirit from natural stone is an expression of true artistic vision. Sculpting with simple tools, self-taught master sculpture artists carve stones of brilliant white granites to rich serpentines of red, green, maroon, grey, yellow, and vibrant orange—over 500 color variations.
Beautiful Mermaid Art with the Potential to Change Lives
Mermaid art can be found throughout the world, but Shona stone sculptures exude a celebrated splendour. Every mermaid sculpture is also an inimitable original and a reflection of artistic talent almost lost within a distressed society.
Standing up to aid in the hardships faced by the Zimbabwe people, Muvezi is reaching out to Shona artists in an effort to reduce some of the burdens hindering this distinguished art form. Please read Our Story and learn how your support of beautiful mermaid art could change lives.
From Quarried Stone to Mermaid Art
The journey from a slab of stone to a striking Shona mermaid sculpture or mermaid fountain is a long and onerous process, for some made possible only through the support of Muvezi. After quarrying and transporting raw stone, from sometimes hundreds of miles away, carvers are said to “release the spirit” trapped within. In Shona sculpture, some surfaces of rock are deliberately left un-carved or unpolished, highlighting the natural properties of the stone.
Shona Stone Sculptures – Powerful African Art
Shona stone sculpture has been deemed “the most significant art form to emerge from Southern Africa this century”. At Muvezi, we take pleasure in not only bringing African creativity—including Shona mermaid sculpture—to homes, gardens and offices around the world, but in networking with the artisans and their families to foster a creative environment in which they can hone their talents.
