Chapungo Sculpture Exhibit

Zimbabwe Chapungu stone sculpture is a profound, deeply human expression of the African people that transcends time and space. Sculptors say their ancestors' spirits come in dreams and visions to reveal themselves in images that dwell within the stone. These "voices in stone" can almost be heard through the awe-inspiring sculptures, which tell tales of life in traditional and contemporary works of art. In this way, sculptors release life within the stone and their spirits soar within the collective reality of the African people. Having visited the sculptures, viewers leave with the startling realization that they have been blessed by the stones' varied and emotional messages. The Chapungu artists use non-mechanical tools, often handmade, to craft the stone. Due to its hardness, chisels, hammers, punchers, tile cutters and metal combs are used, as well as 60 to 800-grit emery paper. When the design is complete, the artist polishes the sculpture with clear wax to bring out the stone’s textures and natural colors.