Spirits in Stone (LynnK)

This is a woeful picture (bad light, hopeless photographer) of a gift brought me last Saturday by two friends, Olive and “Kell” dePonte. They chose it because to the Shona tribe in Zimbabwe, the nzou (elephant) represents endurance, patience, and long life. I think it was the long life they were wishing at this time of illness.


It would take a long life indeed for me to acquire endurance and patience!

Here’s a little of the description provided by the gallery:
“Family loyalty, or kinship called mhuri, forms the basis of most Shona traditions and laws. These are best symbolized by the elephant’s good character. The elephant also represents the maternal spirit since all the elephant herds are related generations of women. called the ghosts of the forest for their silent movement despite their massive presence. The Shona of the nzou totem sing of the majestic power, loyalty and gentleness of the great elephant.”

Not a bad totem to have around. Especially because it came to me from Olive and Kell, who actively support organizations and sellers that make sure the sculptors receive aid and fair payment for their work. Not easy to do in a war-torn country ruled by corrupt officials.




I’d never heard of Shona Sculpture before this year, but the tradition goes back more than a thousand years. White granites and brightly colored serpentines are plentiful, and pieces were harvested by those who felt a call to release the spirits trapped in the stones. The spirits soar, throbbing with themes born in the universal consciousness, inspiring the sculptor. And, as I can testify, those who live with these remarkable carvings as well. In my photo, you can see none of the nzou's beauty, the nuances of her expressions, the protective concern that seems to waft from her like invisible light.

Over the centuries and in many cases nowadays, the artists have carved with tools they made from scrap metal. The polish was originally a plant or vegetable oil, and the smoothing was done with river sand on a rag. Now they use carnauba plants, beeswax, and sandpaper. Some work in urban collectives, but most are amateurs. They share their techniques with anyone who wants to learn, although many begin alone with a simple tool and a vision.

My nzou is carved of a silvery black Mutare serpentine. In the shifting light, the color and highlights never look the same. The name of the sculptor is unknown.

I’ve always had an affinity for Africa, although I lived there when I was a only 4-5 years old. It still resonates in my soul. Many years after that, Olive served in the Peace Corps and was stationed in West Africa. Kell has long been a man of the world. Many shared interests draw us together, although they live hundreds of miles away, and we never stop getting curious about some new thing. Or some very old thing. Another reason to want a long life. The world’s a big place, and I want to experience all of it!

Brief Health Update: Chemo started Monday and Tuesday. Since then, I’ve been less energetic than a cabbage boiled for a week. Sick to my stomach, too. This is what I’ve gleaned from the chemo nurses. The worst symptoms will pass soon, and I’ll start feeling a little better. By week three of “recovery,” I’ll be doing pretty well indeed. Then they’ll zap me again. It goes downhill from there, with every cycle getting worse as I weaken. I’m scheduled through 2008, and all along the way, the oncologist will be watching me and analyzing my responses.

Thanks for all your good wishes in Comments, along with your shared stories. They are a true blessing!