• Title: "Dolphin"
• Sculptor: G. Beaton (1968 - )
• Date carved: 2006
• Appraised Value: $500 [Notarized certificate or authenticity and origin by professional geologist]
• Medium: Opalstone (serpentinite).
• Height x Length x Width = 6 x 3 x 2 inches (152x76x49mm)
• Weight / Mass: 10.1oz / 286g

The signed 6” (152mm) tall dolphin sculpture by the G. Beaton, Chitungwezi, Zimbabwe was hand carved from a solid piece of raw serpentinite. The beautiful multi-colored stone is mottled from pale through dark green. Locally known as opalstone because of its coloring and texture. Beaton skillfully and artistically uses the natural beauty of the stone to enhance his piece creating the effect of the dolphin splashing as it jumps out the water. 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, dolphin, 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 $500 in USA, European, and international art galleries. Similar works by his mentor and peers sold for more than $750 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.

Shona artists express the fundamental relationships between the two guiding forces in their life; the visible physical world and the unseen spiritual world that exists in all cultures. Drawing his artistic expression and inspiration from his humble impoverished circumstances and surroundings, and culture, Beaton carved the dolphin, a sea mammal foreign to Shona culture as Zimbabwe is landlocked with no ocean. It represents the unseen spiritual world and a promise of far away exotic places and a better life. Although he has not seen a dolphin in the wild it also represents and expresses the visible physical world.

To survive in the horrific socio-economic conditions of Zimbabwe Beaton carves "souvenir" 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.OS.ADolphin.GB.001.

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