Mrs Sunny - Shona Woman Sculptor

This sculpture in Springstone is a very rare example of the work of Mrs Sunny.

Equally rare is that a woman, even of exceptional skill and talent, should feature in this almost exclusively male environment.

Traditionally, a Shona woman would not be expected to participate in most activities where men are active.

Additionally, Stone Sculpture in Zimbabwe is dominated by the work of male sculptors.

The example above is beautifully simple in form, and this is enhanced by the clever use of a matt finish. The result is elegant and refined.

For a notable selection of Stone Sculpture, visit -

http://www.justafrica.com.au/products.asp?categoryID=13



Anniversary of the birth of Oliver Tambo

Oliver Tambo was born born on 27 October 1917 in the rural town of Bizana, South Africa. 

He became Acting President of the ANC in 1967, following the death of the Nobel Peace Prize winner, Chief Albert Luthuli.

In 1985 he was re-elected President of the ANC. He returned to South Africa in 1991 after over 30 years in exile, and was elected National Chairperson of the ANC in July of the same year.

Oliver Tambo died aged 75 due to complications from a stroke on 24 April 1993.

Toma Masks from West Africa

New to the website are the Toma Masks from Guinea.

These are smaller masks used in young men's confirmation ceremonies. They typically have a heavy brow-line, a large, plain rounded jaw, and curved horns.

Unusually, this mask retains it's original dressing of leather, vegetable fibre and bundle of sticks.

To see more masks go to: http://www.justafrica.com.au/products.asp?categoryID=9



Uganda Celebrates 5O Years of Independence

On this day, 5O years ago, Uganda became an Independent State, ending over 15O years of British rule.

Uganda is home to many different ethnic groups, none of whom forms a majority of the population. Around forty different languages are regularly and currently in use in the country.

English became the official language of Uganda after independence.

See this page for some Ugandan Handcraft:

http://www.justafrica.com.au/products.asp?categoryID=22

 

Image & some text courtesy of:

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/