OUR COLLECTION — AFRICA — ZIMBABWE 209. JACARANDA HOLY FAMILY
This wood carving of Joseph, Mary, and baby Jesus is carved by Mirirai Chengerai, a legally blind 42-year-old Shona sculptor from Harare, Zimbabwe. The Shona tribe of Zimbabwe is famous for their stone sculptures, but they also have a rich artistic heritage in woodcarvings. Despite his impaired vision, Mirirai produced a detailed Africanized version of the Christian icon. The wood is light jacaranda wood that has been stained dark brown. The item measures 14.5 inches tall by 4.25 inches wide.
Zimbabwe is currently hit with staggering economic conditions--in 2007, inflation in Zimbabwe exceeds 8,000% and unemployment exceeds 75%.
Zimbabwe is currently hit with staggering economic conditions--in 2007, inflation in Zimbabwe exceeds 8,000% and unemployment exceeds 75%.