NABOTH CHANDIRINGA developed and interest in carving stone at an early age. He first had to make a living in a textile factory as a machine operator. In 1992, however, as a result of structural adjustment he was retrenched and made his hobby into a full time vocation. He was formally trained at Paterson Art Centre in Harare and has exhibited his work for eight years at Courtenay Kiosk near Juliasdale in the Eastern Highlands of Zimbabwe.

Naboth prefers to use black serpentine, rapoko or hard springstone for his sculptures. The uniqueness of the colour and grain of each stone are further enhanced with polishing.

Naboth is inspired by Biblical stories as well as old Shona mythology and this can be seen in many of his pieces, for instance 'Crying Spirit', 'Soul Provider' and 'Rock Spirit'. He is also inspired by his daily environment as in 'Smiling Bird' or 'Lovers'.

Naboth feels that to work as a stone carver is a process of interaction with the stone and he never has a fixed idea of how each piece will turn out.

A number of Naboth's pieces are on permanent exhibit at the National Gallery in Harare.

(translated from German. 'Baseelte Steine: Steinskulpturen aus Zimbabwe', E and H Rohde, Hamburg 1998)

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

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