Shona art, created by Zimbabwe's largest tribe, is one of the most significant art forms to come out of Africa in the 20th century. Family relationships, such as this pair, are often represented by the animal kingdom in Shona art. The artists believe that their chiseling and polishing releases the spirit form that is trapped within the rapoka stone. As each piece is one of a kind, please expect variation in the color and veining of the stone.

Approximately 6 1/2''W x 8 1/2''H x 2''D.

Supporting traditional Zimbabwean art forms, like Shona stone carving, helps bring critical income to communities throughout this southern African nation. Once the prosperous "bread basket of southern Africa," recent government actions have destroyed the agricultural industry that was the backbone of Zimbabwe's economy. The country currently has the highest inflation rate in the world, as well as the fastest shrinking economy, and unemployment is at 80%. Encouraging an international market for art and crafts exports enables those affected by the agricultural economy's collapse to support their families through the work of their own hands.

Pangani Kwinjo originally became a stone carver because his family was too poor to continue his education. Born in 1963 in Mutoko, Zimbabwe, Pangani had to leave school after the second year of secondary school to help earn money to support his brothers and sisters. He apprenticed with the carver B. Chaisanetsa in Harare, who was Pangani's mentor for many years before the younger artist had learned the skills and gained the business sense to branch out on his own.

Now an artist in his own right, Pangani's work provides income for his wife and their four children, all of whom are in school or have already graduated. It is with pride that Pangani tells that his eldest son, Tiachaona, is currently doing his "O" level exams and plans to become an artist like his father. "In the near future, I am positive that his designs will be seen the world over," says Pangani.