SKU: SSA.V.FA.ATor
Shona sculptures impress, stimulate, and inspire. You will be proud to own or gift a beautiful Tortoise Verdite sculpture carved from one of the oldest (if not the oldest) rock formation on the planet. The Shona sculptor, Moses Kowo of Chitungwezi (south of Harare, Zimbabwe) carved the walking tortoise sculpture/carving from a solid piece or raw Verdite (aka "Africa's Green Gold”). His intials "MK" and year carved are inscribed on the art work. He paid incredible attention to detail from the shell, head (with nostrils, mouth, eyes, ears), skin folds, legs (with toes and claws), and sometimes to a tail that will not disappoint. The piece is exceptionally well-finished and finely detailed in proportion and to scale.
Admired by Picasso and many other artists and sculptors, many critics view Shona sculptors to be the world’s current era of greatest rock artists and sculptors. Being hand carved from raw stone, no two sculptures, however similar, even by the same artist/sculptor, are identical. As home or office décor the sculpture makes an excellent coffee table or bookshelf ornament. Also a great paper weight for the office. Suitable unique and unusual gift for all ages especially for tortoise or rare stone collectors. Our care and repair guide for these and other Shona stone sculptures.
One of the hardest stones to carve, with Mohs hardness between 7 and 9 depending on the amount of corundum inclusions, makes it a challenging sculpting medium. Only the more experienced sculptor will dare sculpt from this hard stone. Prices vary according to the reputation of the sculptor and the quality (grade) of the stone that varies from collector's grade pure mottled dark green (very rare today) through green streaked with honey to pure honey-colored.
Most sculptures today are not from the best and highly sort after collector's grade green as the deposit is almost completely worked out and thoroughly picked over. Even so, the magnificent example of the Shona talent sells upwards of $150 in USA, EU, and Asian art galleries. We are able to offer them at moderate prices by contracting directly with the sculptor at fair trade prices. A professional geologist has graded and notarized a certificate of authenticity and origin with appraised retail market value for each sculpture. CoA available for a small additional fee and highly recommended for insurance and collection purposes. Type 'yes' or 'y' in box next to CoA $20.00 if you want certification.
For more information on this type of sculpture, the generic photograph is described in detail here. Photographs for Product A through D are the actual piece on offer i.e. WYSIWYG:
A = 1¾x3¾x2?" (46x96x53mm); 6.9oz (196g); grade close to top colletor's dark green (minor natural stained orange rock fracture on RHS); opposite view and underside view with intials and date (2007) on back left & right foot, respectively
B = 1?x3?x2½" (35x99x63mm); 8.4oz (238g); grade is top colletor's dark green (minor natural white blemish on nose); opposite view and underside view with intials and date (2007) on shell between front left & right leg
C = 2x4½x2¾" (50x114x70mm); 12.4oz (352g); grade good mottled greens (minor natural white rock pit on left side of shell and few honey colored streaks); opposite view and underside view with intials and date (2007) on shell between front left & right leg
D = 2¼x4?x2¾" (57x118x71mm); 13.8oz (391g); grade is top colletor's dark green (minor natural white blemish on nose); opposite view and underside view with intials and date (2007) on right back & left front foot, respectively.
(do not order a specific product if it shows as "BACKORDERED" rather select "Any Tortoise" with desired size as we cannot guarantee the verdite grade alternatively select one that's in stock).
If the item quantity for the "Any Tortoise" catagory is two ( 2) or more and you'd like to personally select your beautiful sculpture, write your e-mail address in the box Send photos. At least two and no more than five different sculptures photographs will be sent to you for your consideration. The small additional fee is to cover our administration costs.
These tortoise sculptures are very popular, if the quantity states backordered, instead of a number, it is unfortunately sold out. A similar size and style can be ordered (click on the backordered link for details) from Moses and takes between ten to 14 weeks. Verdite grade, however, cannot be guaranteed but will be the best available. Prices reflect the lower grade of stone available and may be adjusted upwards if necessary once the product is received and good green quality stone was used. If backorder not wanted, remove the item/s from the shopping cart or at checkout.
The artists in Zimbabwe are desperate for work and our vast network can carve almost anything, to any size, in the stone of your choice, and in any quantities as a commission. Contact us about any idea or request on the e-mail link below.
Sculptor listed in description 
Kwaze-Kwasa [USA] Inc. 
