KENNETH CHIDARARA

SHONA ART, and in particular, Shona stone sculpture has its roots in traditional African life. It is heavily influenced by tribal beliefs and customs, with the emphasis in many cases on the family and clan system of totems (Mutupo). The beliefs surrounding the Mutupo are very complex. Every person has this totem, almost always some type of animal, in common with his family and closer relatives, although people from different clans may have the same Mutupo. This totem serves as protector as well as a form of identification and is significant in certain rituals. It is absolutely forbidden for a person to marry another with the same Mutupo

.

© ArtnetAfrica 2004 ©