·           Original Title: "Young Woman's Anguish / Lost my Mind"
·           Alternate Title: "Young Wife grieves for Castane" (suggested by his brother Tamuka Njanji on behalf of his widow and two small children.)

·           Sculptor: Castane Njanji (1977 – 2008)

·           Date carved: 2007

·           Appraised Value: $3,500 - $5,000 [Notarized certificate or authenticity and origin by professional geologist] 

·           Medium: Spring Stone (local name) Dunite

This very dark green almost black naturally stained orange Torso sculpture signed by the late Castane Njanji of Mhundwa Village near Harare, Zimbabwe was hand carved from spring stone. Peruse and scrutinize the superb artistry and attention to detail. Request more photographs by email if needed.

Castane drew his artistic expression and inspiration from his humble impoverished circumstances. Using the natural beautiful of a naked young woman’s torso, he draws one’s attention to his work (the physical world). With arms raised and joined above her missing head, hands tightly clasped, he expresses that despite her beauty her emotions are pure desperation and fears. The missing head shows the physical mindless plight of the common peoples of Zimbabwe in 2007 when daily survival was a challenge due to the horrid socio-economic conditions and many human rights abuses and atrocities at that time. People were so desperate to survive they ‘lost their minds’ and prayed to their ancestors in anguish for answers and guidance.

Pieces of this size and quality are very difficult to find at such reasonable prices. Little did we know, less than seven months after giving us this piece, Castane would succumb and become another victim of the modern day human tragedy in Zimbabwe. Although hospitalized, he passed away at the young age of 31 on April 28, 2008 due to the lack of basic medical supplies for his treatable illness. His elder brother and mentor, has requested that we give the piece the alternate title "Young Wife grieves for Castane" in his remembrance.

The family he left behind is destitute. As the sole breadwinner who was achieving fame and a reputation with his international exhibits and classes on Shona Art sculpting he still lived a hand-to-mouth existence in Zimbabwe during the time of the greatest hyperinflation ever recorded (see picture E where he is holding the equivalent of about US$100 or 10 million Zimbabwean dollars). He invested in the securest asset he could, his talent, leaving behind a portfolio of sculptures that are his legacy and only means of income for the family. All profits from the sale will be returned to them.

Should the item be sold, do not place an order as backorders cannot be filled for these one-of-a-kind originals. We can, however, find or commission similar pieces with other sculptors in our Zimbabwean network.