• Original Title: "Herd Boy"
• Alternate Title: "We grieve 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: $1,500 [Notarized certificate or authenticity and origin by professional geologist]
• Medium: Opalstone (serpentinite).
• Height x Length x Width = 8 x 4 x 2¼ inches (200x100x58mm)
• Weight / Mass 51 oz/1.45 kg

The signed 8” (200mm) tall sculpture by the late Castane Njanji, Mhundwa Village near Harare, Zimbabwe was hand carved from a solid piece of raw spotted opalstone (serpentinite). The beautiful multi-colored stone has a light green base and this texture is mottled and speckled yellow, dark green, and black, and naturally stained orange. Peruse and scrutinize the superb artistry and talent of Castane and if needed request more photographs by e-mail.

Pieces of this size and quality are very difficult to find at such reasonable prices. This gem by Njanji usually sells on the open art market for more than $1000 in USA, European, and international art galleries. Similar works by his mentor and peers sold for more than $3500 at the 2008 Shona Art Exhibition, Denver Botanical Gardens. We are able to offer them at more modest prices as the sculpture was specifically carved by Castane (for us) at fair trade labor to support our mission in Zimbabwe. He was the first Shona artist to join our nonprofit mission and actively carved many pieces for us.

Drawing his artistic expression and inspiration from his surroundings, culture, and humble impoverished circumstances, Castane originally carved the piece to represent one of the many rites of passage that rural African boys culturally endure before becoming a man. 'Herd Boy' represents the few years the pre-pubescent-early teenager spends with other similar aged boys looking after their family, tribe, or local community livestock. Facing thieves, poachers, rival tribes, and wild animals the boys experience a practical life lesson in being responsible. The responsibility weighs heavily on the boy desperate to prove he can become a man. The task becomes very stressful for them when an animal or more go missing, they fear not only the loss but also the wrath of their fathers or elders for not being able to care for their food and treasure and possible family shame.

Castane captures the boy’s angst by carving the right closed with a hand over the left eye, as the boy holds his head in panic. The intense emotions he experiences looking for the lost animal/s comes into focus with Castane's skillful use of the al natural (unpolished) i.e. the natural weathered rock surface for the back of the boy's head resulting in a rough (tussled) hair appearance. Abstract, yet realistic in shape, he creates the buzz of worry in the young man's mind to the viewer by producing a multi-faceted finish. He achieves that appearance by skillfully enhancing the natural rock fractures and staining to produce subtle shadings within the natural base color and texture changes.

Sadly, 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 "We grieve 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. In picture 7 taken in September 2007 Castane holds 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 are shared with them. They would appreciate any assistance to sell the balance of his works to art retailers; send an e-mail if you're interested to help them.

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