Page 21 - Zimbabwe Stone Sculpure 1st Edition

1The history
Great Zimbabwe – the House of Stone
ONE OF THE ORIGINAL ZIMBABWE BIRD SCULPTURES FROM GREAT ZIMBABWE
The famous Zimbabwe Bird sculptures from Great Zimbabwe, that existed between the 11th and 15th Centuries, were an early indication that Zimbabweans had sculpted with stone hundreds of years ago. The birds were carved from soapstone in a unique style and stood guard over Great Zimbabwe, once the capital of the Kingdom of Zimbabwe during the country’s late Iron Age. The birds appear on the national flag and coat of arms of Zimbabwe as well as badges for national teams. The name Zimbabwe is derived from a Shona word Dzimba dza mabwe meaning the ‘great houses of stone’. There is no sign of sculpting in stone after that time until a series of influences came together 500 years later when people, resources, opportunity, talent and world events combined to create a unique contemporary art phenomenon.
THE RUINS OF GREAT ZIMBABWE IN THE SOUTH-EASTERN HILLS OF ZIMBABWE NEAR THE TOWN OF MASVINGO
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