Amazed

Today's featured sculpture

Amazed by Claud Nyanhongo


Weight: 8kg
Genre: Head
Stone type: Serpentine

Sculptor Information

Born in 1934 Claud Nyanhongo still lives in his home region of Nyanga – situated in the mountainous Eastern Highlands of Zimbabwe. He began to experiment with sculpture in 1964, but not until 1980 did he begin to carve seriously.

Claud prefers to work surrounded by the mountains, a deep source of inspiration to him. Nyanga also has rich deposits of the Green Serpentine he prefers to work with. He owns his own quarry from which he and his family carve.

Claud’s works have remained uninfluenced by western culture; a respected elder in his rural community and continues to participate in ceremonies to communicate with ancestral spirits. Claud clings to his cultural beliefs and customs with a tenacity that belies his humble quietness and respectful nature.

Frank McEwen the first curator of the National Gallery of Zimbabwe, referring to Claud’s work and he said “He cuts a breathing image in stone”.

Since independence in 1980, Claud’s work has been included in numerous public and private exhibitions, and his place in this movement is assured by the quality of his work. In 1998 he represented Zimbabwe at the Commonwealth exhibition in Kuala Lumpar.

Claud has a large talented family. His daughters and sons are highly recognised sculptors. They are Agnes, Marion, Gedion, Euwitt, Wellington, Brain and Colle