Stone Turtle (African Tortoise) Hand Carved In Zimbabwe

This African Stone Turtle was hand-carved in Zimbabwe, Southern Africa. Turtle symbolism in Africa is associated with creation and fertility. As the animal is slow-moving; it is also regarded as intelligent, wise, prudent, and thoughtful. In Africa, this spirit animal is considered an intimate friend of both land and water.

This African art form is known as Shona Stone Sculpture because it is hand-carved by the Shona people of Zimbabwe.  The Shona people have been hand sculpting stone into works of art for nearly a thousand years.   Even though the craft is ancient, the style has continually evolved, and the carvings created today are both beautiful and elegant. The contemporary, yet eternal, shape of these sculptures brings splendor to the home and compliments any decor.  The themes these sculptures portray represent esteemed values in the Shona culture of family, love, life, and nature.

• Handmade in Zimbabwe
• Ethically & sustainably handcrafted
• Measures Approximately 3.5" H x 3" W x 6" L
• Artisans make 2-3 times what they would earn in their local market.

YOUR PURCHASE MAKES A DIFFERENCE

This beautiful work of art was purchased directly from the Shona artists in Zimbabwe. We source our handmade Shona products through a small family-run supplier in Harare who has been working with and supporting these talented artists for over 10 years. Your purchases of these products help provide stable employment and basic needs for many dependents at a time when unemployment and inflation in Zimbabwe are at unimaginable levels.

Our handmade products are Fair Trade with the artists either working for themselves or working in co-operatives. The items purchased from our Shona artists support the indigenous tribes of Zimbabwe. We believe that it is now more important than ever to keep supporting these artists during these increasingly difficult times as the ability of these artists to support their families depends on our purchases.