TENGENENGE SCULPTURE VILLAGE: A MUST-VISIT FOR ART LOVERS

By Martin Chemhere

Tengenenge, probably Zimbabwe’s foremost art hub located against Zimbabwe’s Great Dyke, offers a unique artistic experience. This open-air gallery showcases the remarkable talent of Shona stone sculptors, making it a must-visit for art enthusiasts and collectors.

Founded in 1966 by Tom Blomefield, Tengenenge emerged during a period of economic hardship. Blomefield, a former tobacco farmer and chrome miner, provided a haven for local artists to work with serpentine and springstone sourced directly from the Great Dyke. The name “Tengenenge,” meaning “the beginning of the beginning,” reflects its role as a birthplace for this unique art form.

Visitors to Tengenenge witness the entire creative process firsthand. Artists sculpt on-site, transforming raw stone into expressive pieces rooted in Shona culture and mythology. The village operates as a cooperative: artists receive stone freely, while the Tengenenge organization manages sales and community services, sharing profits through commissions.

While Shona sculpture draws inspiration from traditional themes, it’s not a traditional art form in itself. In the late 1950s, Frank McEwen, director of the Rhodes National Gallery, encouraged local artists to explore soapstone and draw inspiration from Shona mythology. This initiative, coupled with Blomefield’s establishment of Tengenenge, fuelled the art form’s development. Notable early sculptors include Thomas Mukarobgwa, Joram Mariga, Bernard Matemera, and Colleen Madamombe, among others. Some first-generation artists continue to create today.

McEwen’s efforts led to international exhibitions, bringing global recognition to Shona sculpture. The art form gained significant momentum after Zimbabwe’s independence in 1980. However, subsequent economic and political challenges have impacted tourism and art sales.

Shona sculpture uses stone as a medium to express universal human experiences: grief, joy, humour, anxiety, motherhood, and spiritual searching. The sculptures communicate these emotions with profound simplicity and directness.

Tengenenge offers more than just art viewing; it provides an immersive cultural experience. Simple but comfortable guesthouses are available for overnight stays, offering visitors warm hospitality, traditional meals, and cultural performances. Tengenenge stands as a testament to the resilience and creativity of Zimbabwean artists, making it a truly enriching destination.