Page 101 - Zimbabwe Stone Sculpure 1st Edition

ShADU ChATSAMA
“His hippos have an almost comical and idiosyncratic look that is very appealing.”
SHADU CHATSAMA
Shadrack or ‘Shadu’ Chatsama was born in Rusape, 150 km east of Harare, in 1948. He was born totally deaf and his early years were very difficult as there were no facilities for assisting or educating someone in this situation. He was raised in a family of seven children, which did not help matters, and he learned a rudimentary form of sign language that he still uses to communicate with those close to him.
When he was about 15, his father, who was an artist, encouraged him to try carving and he really enjoyed it. His father was astonished and very happy that his son had a natural talent because he realized it could help him in the future. When he was 22, Shadu moved to Harare because he wanted to pursue a career as an artist.
His work is included in this book because his sculptures of animals, particularly hippo and rhino, are very popular. His hippos have an almost comical and idiosyncratic look that is very appealing. People who have bought his work include Andrew Pocock, a former British Ambassador to Zimbabwe, and the well-known author Wilbur Smith.
I have known Shadu for nearly 30 years and in that time I have learnt to communicate with him by a poor version of sign language and drawings. He is a very charismatic character and loves having company so I usually spend a long time with him when he has sculptures he wants me to see. 10 years ago, he was involved in a bad car accident. His sculpting arm was badly damaged and he could not use it for almost a year. Thankfully, he has recovered fully.
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