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Rangarirai Makunde
'Famine' original Shona stone sculpture signed by Rangarirai Makunde

2003

About the Item

'Famine' is an original springstone sculpture signed by the Zimbabwean artist Rangarirai Makunde. The sculpture presents a solitary figure who stands facing directly forward. He holds a bowl in his hands, showing the viewer the emptiness it contains. As Makunde was trained in the Shona stone carving tradition, the sculpture reflects the visual heritage of African sculpture: the figure's face is round and mask-like, with squared, straight nose and eyes that furrow at the brow. The pose of the figure likewise recalls the frontality of figurative carving seen across the African continent (such as the minkisi figures of the Congolese peoples to the North). Nonetheless, the subject here is human and emotive and his plight reflects problems both local and universal. springstone 42 x 18.5 x 14 inches 300+ lbs signed "R. Makunde" along base on rear Overall excellent condition with no signs of wear *** Rangarirai Makunde was born in 1969 in Masvingo Bikita District. In his early twenties he moved to Harare, seeking better employment opportunities than were offered in his hometown. He went to Gladman Zinyeka, his uncle, who had already created a name for himself. He worked for two years as his assistant and admired the way he created his sculptures. Makunde is one of the most acclaimed artists of the new generation of Shona sculptors. He carves from observation to bring form out of stone. He began sculpting full time which enabled him to develop his own unique style. With stone sculpting, he finally discovered a means of expressing himself. His favorite stones to work with are the hardest ones. His creations radiate a distinctively vibrant energy and color. Makunde takes particular pride in his finishes and unlike many of the other sculptors, he prefers to do the last stage of polishing himself, up to the final finish. "As an artist, I could express what is already in the stone without disrupting its natural force." *** Though springstone is one of the hardest in use by the Shona sculptors of Zimbabwe, it is one of the most prized. The stone itself can be found throughout the world, but that used by Shona sculptors is largely mined by hand out of the Guruve District of Zimbabwe. The stone has a soft brown outer layer, but is dark and dense within, making it popular for its color and its ability to be brought to a high polish.
  • Creator:
    Rangarirai Makunde (1969, Zimbabwean)
  • Creation Year:
    2003
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 42 in (106.68 cm)Width: 18.5 in (46.99 cm)Depth: 14 in (35.56 cm)
  • Medium:
  • Movement & Style:
  • Period:
  • Condition:
    Overall excellent condition with no signs of wear.
  • Gallery Location:
    Milwaukee, WI
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: 11553g1stDibs: LU60537179842

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