Shona Sculpture
Joram Mariga | 1927 - 2000 Source: www.zimsculpt.com The career of Joram Mariga is inextricably linked with the beginning of Zimbabwean stone sculpture movement. Born of artistic parents in 1927, Mariga used to watch his father and brother carve wood, and his mother make open-fired ceramics. Experimenting with wood carving at first, he moved onto soft stones such as Steatite, but later discovered colourful, harder stones with which to work and became committed to this new material. Others, on seeing his work, asked to be taught the skill and his influence gradually spread. It was essential to Mariga in the early days, to return to close contact with Shona customs and the significance of the natural world. His knowledge of the early days ensures that he remains a powerful example to artists today, amongst whom he is regarded with affection and respect, being referred to as the Father of Zimbabwe Sculpture. McEwan stated ‘The sculptural expansion developed in only 34 years....