April 28 to October 31, 2007 An Educator’s Resource Guide

4344 Shaw Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63110 · www.mobot.org Animals, families, and creatures of legend spring to life in these monumental hand-carved from . Carved from opal stone, cobalt, and springstone, the statues depict their African creators’ traditional close bond to nature and the environment. Children will love the new animals and creatures—and the stories they tell. 23 monumental sculptures of animals, legendary creatures, and humans—all new work One special statue on display the tropical rain forest inside the Climatron® conservatory Small original sculptures available for purchase at the Chapungu Gallery and Gift Shop Chapungu artists made their U.S. debut at the Missouri Botanical Garden in 2001, and we are pleased to welcome this new exhibit in 2007. Tips for the Best Experience • Pre-register your school group online at www.mobot.org/education or call (314) 577-5140.

2 educator’s guide · CHAPUNGU: Nature, Man, and Myth at the MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN Table of Contents

Preparing for your Chapungu Experience...... 4 The Garden and Africa...... 8 Where is Zimbabwe? ...... 10 The Shona Culture ...... 11 What is Chapungu?...... 12 Guide to the Stone and Rock...... 14 Chapungu: Nature, Man, and Myth Exhibition ...... 16 Artists Bios...... 22 Educational Activities...... 29

Table of Contents · 3 Preparing for your Chapungu Experience

Registration: All school groups, whether garden-led or self-guided by a teacher, must register their visit to the Garden either online at www.mobot.org or by calling (314) 577-5140.

Chaperones are required. Please observe the following student/ chaperone ratio.

Grades PK–3: 1 adult per 5 students Grades 4 and up: 1 adult per 8 students

The Garden asks that chaperones remain with their assigned group throughout their visit to ensure that student behavior is appropriate for the Garden setting. Due to the amount and value of the artwork in this Garden Manners: exhibition, please ensure that all students are accompanied by a These rules help protect chaperone at all times. Please advise chaperones of these expectations. nature, the art, and you.

YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE! YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE! Any damage caused by your Any damage caused by your group will be charged to the school. group will be charged to your It is imperative that you advise chaperones of the importance of school. managing their assigned students at all times. Stay on the designated pathways. Divide your Students: Before coming to the Garden, divide students Stepping on or digging in the into groups based on the above student/chaperone ratio. mulched areas is not permitted.

Prepare your Students: Your students may enjoy the CHAPUNGU: Do not pick live plants. You may collect plant parts that have fallen Nature, Man, and Myth exhibition in the outdoor display gardens. on the ground.

A successful Garden visit to experience CHAPUNGU: Nature, Man, and Stay with your group. Be ready Myth starts well before your students arrive. Please acquaint your to look carefully and think about students with the “Garden Manners” and increase their interest by what you see. engaging them in pre-visit activities. Visitors may only touch the sculptures in the exhibit area By preparing your students in advance, they will be less distracted by RESPECTFULLY. Climbing, sitting, the novelty of a new environment. They will feel confident and assured and other similar behaviors are by knowing what to expect and what is expected of them during their not permitted. visit. Do not run through the exhibit areas. We do not want you or Photography: Visitors to the Garden are welcomed to take photos the art to get hurt. and shoot videos for personal use. PLEASE be aware of other Garden visitors. Ask your students to allow room on paths and to keep their voices down.

4 educator’s guide · CHAPUNGU: Nature, Man, and Myth at the MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN Arriving at the Garden: In order to ensure the best possible Outside food and drinks experience for your students, chaperones, and drivers, we ask that you are NOT permitted in the follow the drop-off and pick up procedures. Garden. Bus Parking: Please review directions and bus parking guidelines with The Garden offers three your driver(s). A copy of “Bus Parking at the Missouri Botanical suggestions for lunch: Garden” is included in your packet. Do not unload students in Lunch at Sassafras. View the front of the Ridgway Center. current menu online at www.mobot.org/shop/ Check-in and Admission: Bring your confirmation with you to the sassafras.asp. Garden! All groups, whether arriving by bus or car, must check in at the Linnean Plaza ticket booth. Check-in information and directions to the Call (314) 577–5196 two Linnean Plaza will be included with your confirmation pack upon making weeks prior to your visit. a reservation for your group. Sack lunches are also provided by Catering St. Safety: We ask that you and your chaperones take an active role in the Louis. For a current menu, safety of your students. Be especially attentive during arrival and pricing, and ordering, please departure when students are on the parking lots. Remind bus drivers to call (314) 577-9530. be watchful before moving buses. Picnic in Tower Grove Park. Restrooms and water fountains are located on both levels of Call (314) 771–2679 to Ridgway. reserve a pavilion. The park is adjacent to the Garden. Make sure to arrange a place to meet when your group is finished. You may wish to gather as a class and discuss your group’s experience.

Departure: Meet your bus in the same area that your group was unloaded. Bus drivers will not be permitted to pick up students in the front of the Ridgway Center.

Preparing for Your Chapungu Experience 5 BUS PARKING AT THE MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN (please give a copy to all bus drivers) Dear Tour Operators, DMOs, Group Organizers, and Educators, Thank you for bringing your group to visit the Missouri Botanical Garden. In order to ensure the best possible experience for your passengers, students, and drivers, we ask that you follow the drop-off and pick-up procedures detailed below. As before, thank you for choosing the Garden!

School Bus and Motor Coach

Drop-off Pick-up 1 Enter via the main Garden entrance on Shaw Boulevard. 4 Proceed straight on DeTonty Street to Thurman Turn left, toward the upper east parking lot. Avenue. Turn right onto Thurman Avenue and travel one block Make the first right and park parallel to the wide to Shaw Boulevard. sidewalk. Turn right onto Shaw Boulevard, cross Tower Grove 2 Drop off passengers here. Avenue Turn left into the main Garden entrance and follow the Exiting and Parking directions for passenger drop-off. Pull forward and make a left turn. Proceed straight to the upper east parking lot gate, which is designated exit only. 3 Turn left onto Tower Grove Avenue; continue north crossing Shaw Boulevard. 4344 Shaw Boulevard · Saint Louis, MO 63110 Turn right onto DeTonty Street and park your vehicle. (314) 577-9400 · www.mobot.org Tourism: (314) 577-0275 · Education: (314) 577-5140 Drivers are welcome to return to the Garden for a complimentary beverage.

6 educator’s guide · CHAPUNGU: Nature, Man, and Myth at the MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN DRIVING DIRECTIONS The Missouri Botanical Garden is easily accessible from the major highways in the area.

From I-44, exit at Vandeventer south. Turn left onto Shaw

From I-64/40, exit at Kingshighway south. Turn left onto Vandeventer. Turn Right onto Shaw and proceed to 4344 Shaw.

7 The Garden and Africa The Missouri Botanical Garden has strong ties with Africa. With nearly 800,000 specimens from Africa in the herbarium, the Garden is the recognized U.S. center for the study of African botany. Recently, the Garden has completed digitization of the entire type collection of African plant specimens located in the research center (one block west of the Garden)

Garden researcher Corneille Ewango, of the Democratic Republic of Congo, was awarded the Goldman Prize in 2005, considered the “Nobel Prize for the environment.”

In Ghana, Kenya, Zambia, Cameroon, Malawi, and South Africa, Garden researchers lead training, research, and field work projects, as well as botanical inventories to help guide conservation decisions.

During one of his visits to Africa, Dr. Peter Raven, the President of the Missouri Botanical Garden, saw an exhibit of Chapungu and decided to bring it to St. Louis. With tremendous effort the exhibit sculptures were wrapped and shipped by sea to both New York and Chicago. From these cities, the work was moved by train to St. Louis and then by truck to the Garden. Thanks to Dr. Raven this wonderful sculpture has been touring North America since it arrived in early 2001.

For more information about the Garden’s Research Projects in Africa, visit us online at http://www.mobot.org/MOBOT/Research/africaprojects.shtml

8 educator’s guide · CHAPUNGU: Nature, Man, and Myth at the MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN The Garden and Africa 9 Where is Zimbabwe?

Zimbabwe (formerly ) Zimbabwe, a landlocked country in south-central Africa, is slightly smaller than California. The country consists mostly of high plateaus and is veined with many rivers and their tributaries. It has a tropical climate moderated by its high altitude. Recurring droughts are Zimbabwe’s most prevalent natural disaster. Victoria Falls is Zimbabwe’s most spectacular natural feature.

a land-locked country north of South Africa population c. 13 million several large cities, capital 1.6m rich agricultural areas extensive mineral wealth (gold to coal) vast savanna with thousands of animals (elephants, giraffes, baboons, etc.) English is the official language; most speak at least one ethnic/tribal language as well. The country was colonized by the English in the 19th century. Zimbabwe Zimbabwe won its independence through war in 1980. Capital: Harare

At this time Zimbabwe is experiencing economic depression. Official language: English

Social Comment Population: 13 Million Zimbabwe has had a similar history to all European colonies: wealth

to the conquerors, poverty to the natives. Since their war of Government: Republic liberation (1966-1980), the native government led by Robert Mugabe President: Robert Mugabe has been corrupt and despotic.

Although Zimbabwe has good land, rich mineral resources, and skilled workers, the economy is collapsing.

10 educator’s guide · CHAPUNGU: Nature, Man, and Myth at the MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN The Shona Culture

The Chapungu sculptors are of Shona origin. The Shona tribes make The up the largest proportion of indigenous people of Zimbabwe. The Largest ethnic/tribal group Shona are primarily an agricultural people. Their main crop is maize, in Zimbabwe (80%) but they also grow millet, sorghum, rice, beans, manioc, peanuts, pumpkins, and sweet potatoes. They raise cattle, sheep, and Lived in Zimbabwe and chickens. Women may supplement their income by selling pottery surrounding countries of and hand-woven baskets that serve primarily as utilitarian objects. southern Africa for Men may work as blacksmiths or wood carvers by commission. thousands of years Rich culture that includes Although cows are milked, they are most often used for bride price. farming, hunting, and living Cows are considered taboo for women, so men do all of the milking in villages where large and herding. Men also do some hunting and fishing, but neither families stay together contributes greatly to the food supply. Men and women both participate in farming. Elders, especially women, are sources of wisdom Traditionally, Shona people lived in dispersed settlements, usually and advice consisting of one or more elder men and their extended families. Many now live in modern Most decisions were made within the family, although organized cities, and work and dress political states were recognized as a source of centralized power. as we do; however they These political states were headed by a paramount chief who maintain close inherited his position and power in the divine manner of a king. He relationships with each usually resided in a centralized location and was accompanied by his other and maintain the court who advised him about most important decisions. The head importance of the spirit chief often received substantial payment in the form of tributes from world in their lives his constituency. The spirit world is very active and alive for the Shona people believe in two types of spirits. Shave spirits are most Shona, especially the often considered to be outside or wandering spirits, and vadzimu are spirits of animals and ancestor spirits. Shave spirits are associated with populations living ancestors. outside Shona territory and may be connected to neighboring people, Europeans, or even animals. These spirits may be either Stone sculpting is a malevolent or benevolent. Bad spirits are associated with witchcraft, relatively recent means of while good spirits may inspire individual talents associated with expression by Shona healing, music, or artistic ability. Vadzimu represents all that is ideal people, although wood and moral about the Shona way of life and are usually associated carving has been part of with recent ancestors or with more remote cultural heroes whose their rich culture for many exact genealogy has been forgotten. They serve to protect society, years. Shona sculpture but may withdraw this protection if Shona moral ideals are not emerged on the art scene represented. in the early 1960’s when small workshops were encouraged by the Director of the National Art Gallery in Zimbabwe (then Rhodesia).

Where is Zimbabwe? / The Shona Culture 11 What is Chapungu?

Chapungu (Cha-POONG-goo) is the name given to the monumental sculptures produced by the present day Shona people who live in Zimbabwe, Africa. The sculptures are currently displayed throughout the Garden grounds in eight thematic groups: nature and the environment, family, custom and legend, village life, the role of women, the spirit world, the role of the elders, and social comment. The Garden is a particularly appropriate venue for the exhibition as artists create these sculptures to be viewed outdoors.

Stone sculpting is a relatively recent means of expression by Shona people, though the Shona have had a rich culture for thousands of years. Shona sculpture emerged on the international art scene in the early 1960s, when individual and small workshops of artists were encouraged by the director of the National Art Gallery in Zimbabwe (then Rhodesia). Shona artists were soon well-known for this art form, particularly for the themes and ideas that inspired their pieces. With access to a greater market, the artists experimented with a larger variety of stone, especially the harder stones such as serpentine, opal stone, and springstone, which were found in Zimbabwe’s Great Dyke, a 540 kilometer stretch of hills running north and south through Zimbabwe. Harder stones allow artists to create more detail in their sculptures than softer stones. However, as all the sculptures are hand carved, harder stones take more time to work and are harder on the sculptor’s tools.

The sculptures are carved using a variety of hand tools. A common hammer and chisel are often used to chip away at the stone blocks. Additional tools used include a file, a chasing (instrument that has combs on its tips to create different textures), and wet or dry paper, which is like sandpaper (this gives the stone a smooth texture) to bring the finished work to a shine. As a final step, artists often wipe down the stone with beeswax. None of the sculptures are dyed. Their colors result from the minerals in the rock. The brown, rusty color on parts of some of the sculptures are places where the artist has chosen not to remove the outer layer of rock where oxidation (rusting) of iron in the rock has occurred from sitting exposed for thousands of years.

The sculptures are all mounted on tree stumps obtained from the recent storm damage in July at the Garden. No trees were cut down specifically for this exhibit.

12 educator’s guide · CHAPUNGU: Nature, Man, and Myth at the MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN Chapungu Information Chapungu is the Shona name for the Bateleur eagle, which is often seen swooping over the plains in Zimbabwe.

The Shona people think of the Bateleur eagle as a protector spirit. When in need or in harms way, Shona people say they follow the eagle, Chapungu, out of trouble.

Chapungu is the name and symbol of the exhibit and of the sculpture park/artist group from which the sculptures come.

Chapungu Sculpture Park In the 1960's, Roy Guthrie, owner of the Gallery Shona Sculpture, devoted his efforts to helping young sculptors in Zimbabwe with a place to work, supplies, shows and sales. (Stone sculpture is not an historical art in southern Africa. It began only in the late 20th century.)

In the 1980's Gallery Shona sponsored small exhibitions in Europe and the U.S. where they received critical acclaim.

The sculptors, both men and women, carve the very hard stone with hand tools, sometimes working for years and taking time off when inspiration lags.

The 15 acre was established in 1985 in order to preserve and display the best sculpture art in Zimbabwe.

Loveland Colorado Sculpture Park Today, Roy Guthrie and a group of sculpture enthusiasts are hard at work developing an African Cultural Center and Sculpture Park in Loveland Colorado valued at approximately $5 million. Within the sculpture park eighty Chapungu sculptures will be displayed centered on 8 themes.

Located on 28 acres, the African Cultural Center and Sculpture Park will pay tribute to both the visual and literary artists of the African Continent. The Center will provide these artists with a place to work, a venue to display their works, and with respite from the turmoil that faces many African nations at this time. When completed, it will be the largest center devoted to African Artists in the United States.

Loveland is home to the largest sculpture show and sale anywhere in the world.

What is Chapungu? 13 Guide to the Stone and Rock

Serpentine is found in many deposits throughout Zimbabwe. Its colors vary from brown to black to green and variegated. Most sculptors select the harder, more durable, serpentines for sculpting.

Springstone is a very hard serpentine with high iron content and a fine texture. It has no cleavages, is hard and firm, and offers good resistance to the sculptor. Springstone has a rich outer “blanket” of reddish-brown oxidized rock. The rocks themselves emerge from the quarry resembling sculpture formed by nature over millions of years; their natural shapes often inspire the artist.

Opalstone is a light-greenish serpentine. It is a beautiful, hard, finely textured stone with an almost translucent surface sometimes specked with red, orange and bluish dots and patches. It was discovered as recently as 1989 in the Chiweshe area of Zimbabwe.

Cobalt is the name given to a serpentine variety of different colors.

Leopard rock is a hard yellow-green serpentine characterized by black blotches.

14 educator’s guide · CHAPUNGU: Nature, Man, and Myth at the MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN

Golden serpentine is a rare black serpentine with bands that mimic the struc mimic wood.

Verdite contains corundum and is considered a semi-precious stone, therefore it is not only beautiful but also has intrinsic value. It occurs in a variety of changing patterns and shades ranging from golden browns to rich emerald greens and blues. Verdite is found only in Southern Africa. The Zimbabwean deposit is of uniquely high quality.

Steatites in beautiful red, green, brown, orange and pink shades are shades are found on the Great Dyke in the Masano deposit at Tengenen . Steatites are softer than serpentines and not often used for art works.

Marble - Zimbabwe has vast deposits of gray, white and variegated marbles.

Limestone - A hard, finely grained gray limestone deposit is found close to found in the capital city of Harare.

Guide to the Stone and Rock 15 Chapungu: Nature, Man, and Myth Exhibition at the Garden

Theme: Man & Myth Location: Near Ridgway For many generations, by the evening fires in the village huts, legends have been told by the elders to teach, admonish, and inspire the children. The legends and customs bind individuals together as a Shona community

M1 Note: This sculpture located at front of Ridgway Sculpture Name: Chief Consults with Chapungu Date completed: 1994 Artist: Biggie Kapeta Born: 1956 Died: 1999 Stone: Opal stone Height: 9’ 2” Weight: 5000 lbs. Meaning: He is our chief. It is his duty to reach the best solution. In a quiet place he seeks the advice of Chapungu.

M2 Sculpture Name: Chameleon Man Date completed: 1989 Artist: Boira Mteki Born: 1946 Died: 1999 Stone: Opal stone Height: 5ft Weight: 1400 lbs. Meaning: My totem is the chameleon, but I have disobeyed the totem rules and now begin to turn into my totem animal

M3 Sculpture Name: Nzuzu Returning Child Date completed: 2002 Artist: Born: 1942 Stone: Springstone Height: 3ft Weight: 700 lbs. Meaning: The water spirit – Nzuzu – takes the child into the water, imbues it with much knowledge, and then returns it to the father.

16 educator’s guide · CHAPUNGU: Nature, Man, and Myth at the MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN M4 Sculpture Name: Chapungu Protecting Date completed: 2002 Artist: Sylvester Mubayi Born: 1942 Stone: Springstone Height: 4’ 2” Weight: 1800 lbs. Meaning: The child is lost. Chapungu guides him home.

M5 Sculpture Name: The Astronaut’s Wedding Date completed: 1983 Artist: Born: 1946 Died: 1998 Stone: Springstone Height: 5’ 4” Weight: 1600 lbs. Meaning: Married on Earth we now explore space together. Note: This sculpture is a unique 3-sided sculpture. The wedding is depicted on one side with blessings indicated by the birds; the preacher is on the narrow side; and the back depicts the couple in a space capsule exploring the heavens.

M6 Sculpture Name: Rhino Man Date completed: 1969 Artist: Born: 1946 Died: 2002 Stone: Serpentine Height: 6ft Weight: 2000 lbs. Meaning: Upon death my wandering spirit takes refuge in the rhino. After some years I will leave my host animal and join my ancestral spirits.

M7 Sculpture Name: Chapungu Protecting Family Date completed: 1995 Artist: Gedion Nyanhongo Born: 1967 Stone: Springstone Height: 4ft Weight: 1700 Meaning: The young family is struggling. Chapungu offers protection and comfort.

Chapungu: Nature Man, and Myth Exhibition at the Garden 17 Theme: Man & Nature Location: South of Climatron In the Shona culture, legends and tales abound about trees, plants, animals, insects, reptiles, and birds. Nature, being intimately entwined with the everyday life of the Shona, plays an integral part in their history. They live together with nature in natural harmony.

N1 Sculpture Name: Horse Date completed: 1986 Artist: Ephraim Chaurika Born: 1940 Stone: Springstone Height: 5’ 3” Weight: 1600 lbs. Meaning: When I saw a horse for the first time, it took my breath away. So strong and proud and yet so beautiful. I will always try to capture that in stone.

N2 Note: In Climatron Sculpture Name: Lake Bird Date completed: 1987 Artist: Edward Chirwawa Born: 1935 Stone: Serpentine Height: 4’ 8” Weight: 700 lbs. Meaning: The forest provides shelter and the lake provides nourishment. We can flourish in this environment.

N3 Sculpture Name: Zimbabwe Bird Date completed: 1999 Artist: Dominic Benhura Born: 1968 Stone: Springstone Height: 7’ 10” Weight: 2100 lbs Meaning: Chapungu – the great spirit bird. Symbol of our nation, protecting us through the centuries

18 educator’s guide · CHAPUNGU: Nature, Man, and Myth at the MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN N4 Sculpture Name: Antelope Changes into Butterfly Date completed: 1988 Artist: Tapfuma Gutsa Born: 1956 Stone: Opal Stone Height: 2’ 5” Weight: 600 lbs. Meaning: “Membwe” – the young antelope is pursued by hunters. At the last moment, she metamorphoses into a butterfly and flies to safety.

N5 Sculpture Name: Young Giraffe Playing Date completed: 2002 Artist: Fungayi Mwarowa Born: 1968 Stone: Springstone Height: 5’ 3” Weight: 500 lbs. Meaning: The year is 2050. The elders gather to sing about this, elegant and beautiful animal that once existed in our land but which has now been driven to extinction.

N6 Sculpture Name: The Baboon Who Stole the Crop Guards Child Date completed: 1983 Artist: Josiah Manzi Born: 1933 Stone: Serpentine Height: 3’ 2” Weight: 800 lbs. Meaning: The baby child was stolen as the guard ran to protect the fields. It was brought up as one of the baboon troop.

N7 Sculpture Name: Big Buck Surrendering Date completed: 1990 Artist: Sanwell Chirume Born: 1940 Stone: Serpentine Height: 4’ 6” Weight: 2800 lbs. Meaning: We can hide from the hunters and run from the bullets, but we cannot sustain the pollution of the rivers, the cutting of the trees and the destruction of our environment.

Chapungu: Nature Man, and Myth Exhibition at the Garden 19 N8 Sculpture Name: Hanging on a Leaf Date completed: 1994 Artist: Bernard Takawira Born: 1948 Died: 1997 Stone: Opal Stone Height: 5ft Weight: 800 lbs. Meaning: All of life hangs on the leaf. The oxygen we breathe and the food that sustains us all come from the leaves.

Theme: Man & Family Location: South of Spink Pavilion The entire tribe, or community, is considered family. In hard times, people pull together to support each other. Also part of the family are those who have passed on, they are considered guiding spirits and are consulted frequently.

F1 Sculpture Name: A Time Together Date completed: 2003 Artist: Joe Mutasa Born: 1964 Stone: Springstone Height: 6’ 1” Weight: 1900 lbs Meaning: With our family commitments, we now seldom get together. We will talk well into the night.

F2 Sculpture Name: The Commitment Date completed: 2001 Artist: Taylor Nkomo Born: 1957 Stone: Springstone Height: 4’ 7” Weight: 800 lbs. Meaning: Our promise is to our child and to this family.

F3 Sculpture Name: Teaching Mother to Read Date completed: 2003 Artist: Nicholas Kadzungura Born: 1967 Stone: Springstone Height: 4’ 9” Weight: 1400 lbs Meaning: Mother says we must teach her everything we learn at school. She is a good pupil!

20 educator’s guide · CHAPUNGU: Nature, Man, and Myth at the MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN F4 Sculpture Name: Who is Strongest? Date completed: 2003 Artist: Dominic Benhura Born: 1968 Stone: Springstone Height: 3’ 1” Weight: 1400 lbs Meaning: Surely one of us has to give in!

F5 Sculpture Name: Sharing the Wisdom Date completed: 2002 Artist: Born: 1960 Stone: Springstone Height: 5’ 2” Weight: 1800 lbs Meaning: If wisdom comes with years, then why is she so much younger than I – so much wiser

F6 Sculpture Name: Aunt Admonishing Child Date completed: 2002 Artist: Rachel Ndandarika Born: 1957 Stone: Opal Stone Height: 5’ 8” Weight: 1,800 lbs. Meaning: It is the role of Vatete (the aunt) to guide the children.

F7 Sculpture Name: Me Too Mama Date completed: 2002 Artist: Taylor Nkomo Born: 1957 Stone: Springstone Height: 8’ 2” Weight: 2500 lbs. Meaning: He does not realize that he has become too heavy, and cannot carry them both.

F8 Sculpture Name: Beer for the Wedding (4 sculptures) Date completed: 2002 Artist: Gift Muchenje Born: 1969 Stone: Opal Stone Height: 4 - 6’ Weight: 1200 lbs ea. Meaning: Before the festivities start, the Muroora (daughters-in-law) must bring specially brewed beer to the Elders.

Chapungu: Nature Man, and Myth Exhibition at the Garden 21 Artist Bios

Dominic Benhura Ephraim Chaurika Sanwell Chirume Born 1968 in Murewa Born 1940 in Zimbabwe Born 1940 in Guruve

Who Is Strongest? Horse Big Buck Surrendering & Zimbabwe Bird Before joining the Chirume is a prominent At age 10 Benhura began to Tengenenge Sculpture Tengenenge artist and a assist his cousin, sculptor Community in 1966, Chaurika relative of artist Bernard Tapfuma Gutsa, spending was a herdsman and a local Matemura. He first visited many formative years at watchmaker. He engraved the Tengenenge in 1971 Chapungu Sculpture Park, shape of watch springs and to help quarry stone. In 1976 soon after he began to create cog wheels in some of his he returned to become a full his own works. Today he is early sculptures. His early time sculptor. Largely regarded as the cutting edge works were often large and unacknowledged, he of Zimbabwe sculpture. His powerfully expressive, nevertheless creates powerful extensive subject matter sometimes using geometric large sculptures of includes plants, trees, reptiles, forms, while later works are considerable depth. His work animals and the gamut of more whimsical and stylistic. has been in many major human experience. Benhura His sculptures are always exhibitions, has won has an exceptional ability to skillful, superbly finished and numerous awards in the portray human feeling immediately appealing. National Gallery of through form rather than Zimbabwe, and is featured in facial expression. He leads by the Chapungu Sculpture experimentation and Park’s permanent collection. innovation.

22 educator’s guide · CHAPUNGU: Nature, Man, and Myth at the MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN Tapfuma Gutsa Nicholas Kadzungura Biggie Kapeta Born 1956 in Harare Born 1967 in Mashawaland Born 1956 in Bindura Died 1999 Antelope Changes Into Butterfly Teaching Mother to Read Chief Consults With Chapungu Gutsa regards himself as an A resident sculptor at the international artist with Chapungu Sculpture Park Biggie Kapeta was an African roots, whose draws since 1997, Kadzungura is apprentice to his uncle, inspiration from sources inspired and influenced by the Sylvester Mubayi, before worldwide. His natural shapes of stones as working independently. work is sometimes politically they appear from the Mubayi’s influence was charged and also capable of quarries. His subjects are often reflected in his work. A great poignancy. He is often groups of people. quiet, considerate man, he acknowledged as the leader of Tenderness and often a sense spent two very creative years the second generation of of poetry appears in his gentle in the residence program at artists and much admired for and sometimes naïve images. Chapungu. During this period his support of many young In recent years he has strived he finished a number of fine artists. to created larger, powerful sculptures, including “Chief sculptures which are very Consults with Chapungu,” strong and emotive. highly acclaimed for its fine chisel work and strong Conducting message. Artist-in-Residence workshop

Artist Bios 23 Artist Bios

Josiah Manzi Bernard Matemera Boira Mteki Born 1933 in Mvurwi Born 1946 in Guruve Born 1946 in Harare Died 2002 Died 1999 The Baboon Who Stole the Crop Guard’s Child Rhino Man Chameleon Man

Manzi’s parents originally Bernard Matemera is a A founding member of the came from Malawi. His father founding member of the workshop school of the taught him to make masks for Tengenenge Sculpture National Gallery of the secret dance society of Community and has been its Zimbabwe, Boira Mteki the Ayawo people, a skill symbolic leader for many created strong which served him well as a years. His highly acclaimed, monolithic heads in his early sculptor. He joined the uncompromising and days which remain among the Tengenenge Sculpture powerful images are found in most uncompromising and Community and soon became public and private collections stark images of the genre. one of its prominent artists. worldwide. Very African and Small in stature with a He is an acknowledged elder sometimes grotesque in troubled personal life, he left of the community and much imagery, his works are initially a legacy of exceptionally respected by all. difficult to assimilate but often powerful sculpture. disturbingly emotive and imbued with a deep sense of pathos. They are the subject of his dreams: animals, spirits, people and creatures, and the metamorphosis between them.

24 educator’s guide · CHAPUNGU: Nature, Man, and Myth at the MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN Sylvester Mubayi Gift Muchenje Henry Munyaradzi Born 1942 in Chiota Born 1969 in Harare Born 1931 in Guruve Died 1998 Water Spirit Returning Child Beer for the Wedding & Chapungu Protecting Child The Astronaut’s Wedding Gift Muchenje has worked at Dedicated to his own Chapungu Sculpture Park Purity of form, great traditional beliefs and since 1989, always with great simplicity, an ability to customs, Sylvester Mubayi is determination, application capture the essence of the inspired by the fusion of and perseverance but with subject matter, and minimal spiritual and earthly worlds of little acclaim or financial but precise execution are the human and animal success. In recent years he qualities inherent in iconography. He is capable of has experimented with larger Munyaradzi’s work. His creating works that are works, often carving sculpture blends the simplicity powerful and compromising, numerous pieces that of the primitive with stylized or sensitive, tender and comprise the final work. His sophistication. He became deeply moving. A devoted large innovative works have one of the most prolific and family and community man, he met with immediate acclaim sought after of all Zimbabwe is as proud of the amateur and suggest more fine sculptors, with works in football team he founded and sculpture in the future. public and private collections supports, as he worldwide. is non-committal about his sculptural achievements.

Artist Bios 25 Artist Bios

Joe Mutasa Fungayi Mwarowa Rachel Ndandarika Born 1964 in Rusape Born 1968 in Chimanimani Born 1957 in Highfield

A Time Together Young Giraffe Playing Aunt Admonishing Child

Coming from a family of Mwarona is foremost among Ndandarika represents her sculptors, Mutasa initially Zimbabwe’s sculptors in pride in the dignity of women carved representational heads searching for new stones to in her sculpture. Her and figures for the tourist use – stones with a startling sculptures stand for a world trade. When he joined aesthetic presence suited to in which men and women are Chapungu Sculpture Park, he the exploration of the human equal. Her women in stone, met many committed figure. His work is somewhat like herself, are strong and sculptors who urged him to mannerist and very studied, stalwart, determined and create art rather than mass- formally moving toward the driven to succeed. A produced themes. Within a Italian tradition of sculpture in compelling personality to few years his works drew marble. Mwarona spent many whom people are instinctively attention and acclaim. He years at Chapungu and is drawn, she is a successful, finds inspiration in family, admired both for his ability fascinating woman and daily life and the environment. with the hardest of stones sculptor. Her smaller His touching “Sole Provider” and for his patience and sculptures are intimate and was given to the Missouri understanding when appealing, while her larger Botanical Garden by the conducting workshops. works are powerful and people of Zimbabwe in expressive depictions of memory of those who died Conducting themes in her own culture. on Sept. 11, 2001. Artist-in-Residence workshop

26 educator’s guide · CHAPUNGU: Nature, Man, and Myth at the MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN Taylor Nkomo Agnes Nyanhongo Gedion Nyanhongo Born 1957 in Bulawayo Born 1960 in Nyanga Born 1967 in Nyanga

Me Too Mama Sharing the Wisdom Chapungu Protecting Family & The Commitment Nyanhongo is considered Nyanhongo belongs to an Nkomo was a graphic among the most important illustrious family of designer for 23 years at the Zimbabwean artists and internationally recognized National Gallery of certainly the most sculptors. His work explores Zimbabwe, where he acknowledged female with psychological depth the designed catalogue covers, sculptor. She comes from a relationship of family billboards and posters. During strong sculpting family and members within traditional that time he came into prefers to work in the and contemporary African contact with many famous hardest stones. She is inspired society. It shows immense stone sculptors. In 1998 he by the role of women in respect for traditions such as joined Chapungu full time to traditional society and the respect for elders, protection pursue a career as a stone interaction among family of women and children, and sculptor and to supervise and members. Her work is the important role of aunt as encourage young new artists. characterized by a sense of adviser within the family Within a few short years peace, calm and inner dignity. circle. Huge sculptures come major works began to With considerable courage in easily to him and smaller emerge, and Nkomo was a predominantly male activity, works are expressive, recognized as an inspirational she has led by creating strong emotive and superbly finished. new talent. and powerful works. Conducting Conducting Artist-in-Residence Artist-in-Residence workshop workshop

Artist Bios 27 Artist Bios

Bernard Takawira Born 1948 in Nyanga Died 1997

Hanging On A Leaf

In nearly 40 years as an artist Bernard Takawira created numerous works of exceptional quality and stature, won many awards and traveled extensively. A deeply committed Christian, he philosophized about life and traditional cultural values as opposed to Christian beliefs, often translating his thoughts into powerful and evocative stone sculpture.

28 educator’s guide · CHAPUNGU: Nature, Man, and Myth at the MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN Educational Activities Pre-visit Activities Discuss with students how the different themes of the Chapungu exhibit relate to their lives. Encourage writing, painting, or drawing these themes. Have children use clay or other modeling media to express their representation of a theme. These can later be compared with the Chapungu sculptors’ representations. Brainstorm as to why people make art, how they choose their media, and what they do with the finished artwork. How is art important to individuals and society? Read about Zimbabwe, the Shona culture, and/or sculpture. Have the children make a small frame by cutting construction paper. Encourage them to decorate it. These can then be used for viewing the sculptures to help focus children’s attention. Preview Chapungu Sculpture Sketchbook and make copies for the students to use during their visit to the Garden.

While at the Missouri Botanical Garden There is no particular order in which to view the sculpture. They are grouped by theme. It is not necessary to view all twenty-three sculptures. Give each student a copy of the Chapungu Sculpture Sketchbook and a writing/coloring utensil. Clipboards are helpful. Turn to the page highlighting each theme as you encounter it in the Garden. Use the construction paper frames the students made to help them focus on individual sculptures. Explore the sculptures from a variety of angles. Allow students to view sculptures from many angles and body positions. Encourage students to touch and describe the textures of the works. Touch respectfully, but do not climb. Have students share their feelings/impressions of the works in pairs or small groups. Walk on the grass and touch the sculptures and tree trunk bases. Please do not walk on the mulch or flowerbeds. Students may pick up leaves from the ground but must not disturb the living plants. As they progress through their booklet, reassure them there are no wrong answers when appreciating art. Bring cameras to photograph the exhibit. Encourage using black and white film, as it will accentuate the form of the sculptures. Experiment with using unique camera angles when photographing. Most importantly, EXPLORE AND ENJOY!

Artist Bios / Educational Activities 29 Post-Visit Activities Use an artistic media (film, paint, clay, etc.) to allow students to reflect on how the exhibit affected them. They could express a theme that particularly impressed them. Create a sculpture park of your own! Display student pieces with titles and short student commentaries. Use this experience as a kick-off for the exploration of other sculptors such as Michelangelo or Rodin. Discuss the various media used and how it affects the outcome. Compare and contrast these various sculptures. What would be the themes of their sculptures? Are there any similarities to the themes of Chapungu sculpture? This can also be a vehicle for sharpening computer and Internet skills used in researching the various artists. Discuss the themes that were included in the exhibits. Are there themes the students thought were overlooked? What themes do you think are most important in reflecting a culture?

30 educator’s guide · CHAPUNGU: Nature, Man, and Myth at the MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN Educational Activities 31