Where is Zimbabwe?

The Republic of Zimbabwe (formerly Rhodesia) is a landlocked country located in the southern part of the continent of Africa, between the Zambezi and Limpopo rivers. It is bordered by South Africa to the south, Botswana to the west, Zambia to the north, and Mozambique to the east. 

Where does the name Zimbabwe come from?

The name Zimbabwe is derived from "dzimba dzamabwe" meaning "stone buildings" in the Shona language. Its use as the county's name is a tribute to Great Zimbabwe, site of the capital of the Munhumutapa Empire.

Who are the Shona?

Shona is the name collectively given to several groups of people in Zimbabwe and western Mozambique. Numbering about eight million people, who speak a range of related dialects whose standardised form is also known as Shona.

What is the Great Zimbabwe?

Great Zimbabwe is the name given to the remains, sometimes referred to as the Great Zimbabwe Ruins, of an ancient Southern African city, which was once the centre of a vast empire known as the Munhumutapa Empire (also called Monomotapa Empire). This empire ruled territory now falling within the modern states of Zimbabwe (which took its name from this city) and Mozambique.  Great Zimbabwe is modern Zimbabwe's national shrine, where the Zimbabwe Bird (a national symbol of Zimbabwe) was found. It is currently an archeological site. See History of the Great Zimbabwe.

What is Shona Art?

Shona Art beginnings can be attributed to Frank McEwen in the early 1950’s when he was chosen to help establish the National Gallery of Rhodesia (later Zimbabwe) and become its first director in 1956.  McEwen was particularly inspired by the stone sculptures found among the ruins of Great Zimbabwe and encouraged his students, who were Shona descendants of Great Zimbabwe's builders, to experiment with stone carving.   Frank socialized with great artists in Paris which would in turn influence him as he brought his knowledge of art forms and expression to Zimbabwe.  There is strong evidence that the style of Shona carvings deeply influenced Picasso and many other greats.  Shona art can be found in The Rodin Museum in Paris and The Museum of Modern Art in New York.

What type of stone is used in sculpting?

The most often used stone is Serpentine, which comes in a variety of hardness and over 200 specific ores and color variations. See types of stone used in African Sculpture.