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Art: The Zata Family Master Wood Carvers

The Zata Family [Zimbabwe]

The Zata Family Bench

To some, it may simply be a piece of wood of little or no significance beyond being gathered and thrown onto a fire, but in the hands of a member of the Zata Family it becomes a work of art; the shape of the wood dictating the eventual sculpture. The organic forms of gnarled and twisted, or smooth and shiny wood give way to slender sculptural figures, furniture and other inspired carvings. Through their work the Zata Family sculptors celebrate the beauty of nature, echoing the process of Zimbabwe’s stone sculptors who are renowned for working on a piece of stone only when it speaks to them. 

The Zata Family Driftwood bench

[Image credits: Benches, the Zata Family – Amaridian]

The skills of the Zata Family are built upon those passed down through the generations, whereby five brothers followed in their father’s footsteps to become sculptors. Today the talented family is led by Abel Zata; said to be the master carver who in turn taught his brothers Aggrey, Namo, Collins and Kudzai and they, in turn, are passing the skills of a traditionally male-oriented craft onto their wives. Of the five brother’s Aggrey is said to have been the first to specialise in carving driftwood. The driftwood that forms the sculptures mainly comes from the Ozoroa Reticulata tree; locally known as the Muacha (Shona) or Raisin Berry (English); a tree whose roots are used in traditional medicine, said to aid digestion. Sculptures from the Zata family have been displayed in galleries and publications including Habitat Magazine and Condé Nast Magazine.

Bicycle Man Abel Zata

[Image credit: Bicycle Man, Abel Zata – Amaridian]

I like the benches, the first image especially, which could double up as a side table; softening up the hard sleek lines of a hi-tech interior, blending in beautifully within a rustic style interior or simply adding character to a garden.

…sculpture that celebrates the beauty of nature with all its blemishes

Information sourced from:
www.amaridianusa.com; and
www.juliameintjes.co.za

Additional details:
For further information about the Zata Family and purchase enquiries visit: www.amaridianusa.com    

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