• Title: "Wise Owl"
• Sculptor: G. Beaton (1968 - )
• Date carved: 2006
• Appraised Value: $750 [Notarized certificate or authenticity and origin by professional geologist]
• Medium: Green Serpentinite.
• Height x Length x Width = 10¼ x 4¾ x 2¾ inches (235x121x76mm)
• Weight / Mass 73 oz/2.07 kg

The signed 10¼” (236mm) tall sculpture by the G. Beaton, Chitungwezi, Zimbabwe was hand carved from a solid piece of raw serpentinite. The beautiful multi-colored stone has a light green with a texture of orange dendrite and fracture natural rock staining. Beaton has skillfully and artistically used the natural beauty of the stone to enhance his piece. Peruse and scrutinize the superb artistry and talent of Beaton and if needed request more photographs by e-mail.

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. The sculpture without a doubt makes an excellent gift for anyone including that hard-to-buy for person irrespective of the occasion. The piece shows great on a shelf, mantle piece, or as a stand-alone work of art. It will be a delightful addition to an African, abstract, love, or indigenous art theme/décor at home and the office. Start or add to a Shona art collection if you have none of the world’s current era of greatest contemporary rock artists’ works.

Pieces of this size and quality are very difficult to find at such reasonable prices. This gem by Beaton usually sells on the open art market for more than $750 in USA, European, and international art galleries. Similar works by his mentor and peers sold for more than $1000 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 him (for us) at fair trade labor to support our mission in Zimbabwe.

Drawing his artistic expression and inspiration from his humble impoverished circumstances and surroundings, and culture, Beaton carved the piece to represent an owl that has both good fortune and bad omen in Shona culture. The bad omen is that the appearance of the owl traditonally signalled tragedy. In modern times with the advent of colonial schooling the owl represents wiseness.

To survive in the horrific socio-economic conditions of Zimbabwe Beaton carves "souvenier" or market sculptures in addition to his serious artistic works. Flooding the market with lower priced product has had no material impact on the value of this type of art. The sculpture authenticated with his signature carved thereon, has a notarized letter/certificate of origin and authenticity. Suitable as an in- or outdoor sculpture.

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If you have a specific question or comment about this specific product e-mail us with subject: SKU: SSA.Sg.AOwl.GB.001.

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