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Wise Old Man

Collection: African Art Collection
Description: This serpentine stone sculpture is an example of traditional Zimbabwean carving skills. The intricate details of the hair, eyes and lips appears to show an elderly man in deep thought. The face, neck and shoulders are finished while the hair is rough and appears gray. The stone carving is in excellent condition.
Artists/Makers: The Shona The Shona Peoples of Zimbabwe Read Biography

The Shona

GEOGRAPHY / CULTURE GROUP: Zimbabwe, Shona. The Shona people of southeast Zimbabwe are noted for their agriculture, pottery, ironwork, wood carving, and music. Traditional Shona once worshipped the all-powerful god and creator Mwari. Western education, urbanization, coupled with the influx of Christian and Muslim traditions have greatly weakened traditional Shona institutions.
Student Work: No
Culture: Shona
Geography: Zimbabwe
Medium: Serpentine Stone
Classification: Sculpture
Accession Number: 2022.01.015
Accession Date: May 2022
Donated By: Reginald and Celeste Hodges
Donation Date: May 2022