ABOUT MABWE SHONA SCULPTURES
Stone. Story.
Connection.
Hand carved Zimbabwean stone sculptures, sourced directly from the artists, workshops and co-operatives who bring them to life.
OUR APPROACH
From the artist to your home.
Our sculptures come from many different parts of Zimbabwe. We buy directly from solo artists, small workshops and co-operatives.
There are no middlemen. All of the money we pay for each sculpture goes directly to the artist.
Each piece offers a connection to the maker’s skill and the rich cultural heritage of Zimbabwe.
INDIVIDUAL BY NATURE
Handmade.
Natural. Timeless.
Carved by hand from natural stone, each sculpture has its own character. Variations in colour, texture and finish are part of what makes every piece distinctive.
Our collection ranges from small indoor sculptures to larger outdoor pieces, bringing together traditional influences and individual artistic expression.
EXCEPTIONAL MATERIALS
Stone shaped by nature.
Finished by hand.
Our collection includes sculptures carved from a beautiful selection of natural stones sourced from Zimbabwe, a country renowned for its rich tradition of stone carving. Each stone has its own unique colour, texture, character and natural markings, making every sculpture truly one of a kind. The primary stone used in Zimbabwean sculpture is serpentine, alongside a variety of other locally mined hard and semi-precious stones. Many of these stones are found in and around the Great Dyke, a vast geological formation that stretches through central Zimbabwe and is known for its extraordinary mineral wealth
Springstone
A dense and durable variety of serpentine that develops a deep, lustrous black finish when polished. Its strength and rich appearance make it one of the most popular stones for Zimbabwean sculpture.
Opal Stone
A softer form of serpentine, typically found in light green, grey, warm yellow, black, charcoal and deep green tones. Its workable nature makes it particularly suited to detailed and intricate carvings.
Fruit Serpentine
A striking, naturally colourful stone displaying vibrant shades of yellow, orange, red and brown. Its varied patterns and colours give each sculpture a distinctive and highly individual appearance.
Leopard Rock
A hard, beautifully patterned stone characterised by natural cream, yellow and black markings, often creating a dramatic, leopard-like appearance.
Verdite
A rare, ancient and exceptionally hard green semi-precious stone, valued for its rich colour and mineral composition. Verdite is particularly prized by collectors for its rarity and natural beauty.
Soapstone
A softer, talc-based stone that allows artists to create smooth surfaces and fine, intricate details. Its versatility makes it well suited to a wide range of decorative and sculptural forms.
The natural variations within these stones are an essential part of their beauty. No two pieces are exactly alike, and the colours, patterns and textures of the stone often become an integral part of the artist’s design. By preserving the natural character of each stone while shaping it by hand, Zimbabwean sculptors create pieces that combine art, craftsmanship and the unique geological heritage of Zimbabwe.
Find a piece that feels personal.
Send us a message on WhatsApp for advice about the care of your sculpture.