Rhythm in Stone

History & Significance

“Rhythm in Stone” hails from the celebrated Tengenenge community of Zimbabwe. Two figures—one strumming a guitar, the other lifting a horn—merge in polished serpentine, capturing the vibrant pulse of jazz in sculpted form.

Crafted by master Shona carvers in the late 20th century, the stone’s natural green veins echo the fluidity of musical rhythms while the cubist-inspired silhouettes honor ancestral spirit sculptures. Every curve resonates with the shared heartbeat of community creativity.

Embracing the Ubuntu philosophy—“I am because we are”—this piece invites viewers into a communal dance of art and music, celebrating both African heritage and the universal language of melody.