Zimbabwean: Shona Hornbill Sculpture

Zimbabwean: Shona Hornbill Sculpture

R 780.00
R 780.00
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Zimbabwean: Shona Hornbill Sculpture
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Zimbabwean: Shona Hornbill Sculpture

Zimbabwean: Shona Hornbill Sculpture

A heavy, hand-carved stone sculpture depicting an African hornbill bird perched atop a stylized tree branch.

The piece features a smooth, polished back and wings accented by deep hand-incised lines, balanced by a textured, rustic base showing raw chisel marks.

Original Intended Use: Free-standing architectural art sculpture for high-end mid-century interiors.

Alternate Suggested Use: A substantial, heavy-weighted luxury bookend to anchor large volumes on an executive library shelf.
More Details
  • Vintage hand-carved Zimbabwean Shona stone hornbill sculpture.
  • Substantial, heavy-profile serpentine soapstone body showcasing deep mineral veining.
  • Textured, chiselled tree branch perch contrasts with polished avian lines.
  • Powerful abstract silhouette capturing the iconic stylized form of Africa's hornbill.
  • Authentic mid-century style tribal art sculpture from the renowned Shona movement.
Did you Know?

Shona stone carvings originated in Zimbabwe in the late 1950s and gained major international art acclaim throughout the 1960s and 1970s. Master carvers view the rock as a living entity, chiselling away to release the unique spirit hidden within the stone. The hornbill holds deep significance in African folklore — revered as a symbol of fidelity, a bearer of good omens, and a traditional herald of the changing seasons. Serpentine stone is highly prized by collectors for its exceptional physical density and natural colour variations, which range from deep charcoal blacks to iron-rich terracotta undertones within a single block.
Origin & Era

Made in Zimbabwe, 1970s–1980s.
Dimensions

Approximate Dimensions: Height 19cm, Length12 cm (base), Width 8.5cm, Weight Heavy for its Size.
Vintage Condition

Good vintage condition with genuine, rustic tribal character.

Visible Flaws: Minor age-related wear. Close physical inspection reveals an historic chip along the upper tip of the curved stone beak. Faint surface abrasions, minor scuffs, and small white impact nicks are present across the tail feathers and base contours, along with natural iron-red mineral discolorations embedded in the raw, unpolished areas of the branch. These imperfections provide solid proof of its hand-carved, authentic heritage.
Price
R 780.00
Payment Options

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