Sale 211 Lot 310A 

JOHN TAKAWIRA (Zimbabwean , 1938-1989). Anthropomorphic creature or spirit, Shona sculpture, Anthropomorphic creature or spirit, possibly one of the baboon or bird/eagle spirit figures that Takawira frequently created, often referencing Shona mythology. It has a rounded, hunched posture, large, brooding eyes, and a prominent crest or elongated head shape. It is carved in a dark, heavily-veined green stone (maybe a serpentine or Steatite (soapstone). Signed at base. / Height: 16.5 inches; Weight: 31 pounds.

ARTIST PROFILE: John Takawira (1938-1989) was one of the most important and acclaimed Zimbabwean sculptors and a leading figure of the Shona sculpture movement. His career began after he was introduced to carving by his uncle, Joram Mariga, in the early 1960s. He became one of the first members of the Workshop School at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe, where his work was exhibited from 1963. From 1969 to 1976, Takawira was a major figure at the Vukutu Sculpture Community in the Eastern Highlands. His style is recognized for its powerful emotional intensity, spiritual depth, and use of dark, hard stone, primarily Springstone. He was an innovator who combined highly polished areas with rough, unworked textures on the stone's surface. Takawira's work, often inspired by his dreams and Shona mythology, frequently featured skeletal figures, baboon-man creatures, and powerful women. His international reputation was solidified after his sculpture Skeletal Baboon was exhibited at the Musée Rodin in Paris in 1971. He has the largest representation of works in the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Zimbabwe. - Height: 16.5 inches; Weight: 31 pounds
Estimate $300-400

Sold for $225

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