Female sculptor makes history in stone carving

Female sculptor makes history in stone carving

By Letwin Mubonesi

Zimbabwe has a rich history of stone sculpture and some works by renowned female artists have been exhibited around the country. Working from the Chitungwiza Arts Centre, the renowned female sculptor Winnet Chikazi is defying the odds in this male dominated industry by embracing  the use of technology for marketing and selling her artworks in this time of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Although women constitute a small fraction of contemporary visual artists in Zimbabwe, Chikazi who had humble beginnings began sculpting through polishing-up carvings to stone chipping by her late husband Philemon Jehure. He was well known for producing animal figurines using verdite and spring stone. Through sculpting, she is able to sustain her family’s livelihood.

She said, “The COVID-19 pandemic has brought an economic meltdown and it is difficult for artists to survive in such times when there are not many foreigners, who are our main clients, coming to Zimbabwe. There is life in stones. I raised my four children through stone artworks and I would like to encourage everyone to work hard and aim beyond bread and butter.”

Chikazi’s carvings include guinea fowls, caterpillars, owls and birds.

“Birds remind me of peace and tranquility. The singing of birds brings joy to my life. Guinea fowls love each other that are why I have a deep passion for them. Likewise, families should be bonded by love,” she said.

“Caterpillars are important in the production of compost which is essential for gardens and field manure. Without caterpillars there will be no manure and resultantly, without manure there will be no good harvests,” said Chikazi.

Chikazi said her wish was for an improved funding of arts projects and provision of tools and raw materials.