Name for the Item: "Indlondlo Yamakhosi: Butter Jade Zulu Chief Bust" (translates to "Sage of Chiefs: Butter Jade Zulu Chief Bust" in Zulu)
Step into the wisdom of the ages with our remarkable Butter Jade Zulu Chief Bust, a tribute to the revered leaders of Southern East, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Carved with intricate detail and profound reverence, this sculpture embodies the essence of leadership and heritage.
The Zulu, a dominant clan in Northern KwaZulu-Natal, trace their lineage to Zulu kaMalandela, who established the clan circa 1709. Inhabiting a region teeming with diverse Nguni groups and clans, collectively known as the isizwe people, the Zulu emerged amidst the sweeping currents of the Bantu migrations. Their legacy is etched into the fabric of the land, a testament to centuries of resilience and cultural richness.
Crafted in the esteemed tradition of Shona sculpture, our Butter Jade Zulu Chief Bust pays homage to a heritage that spans centuries. The Shona sculptural movement, with its roots dating back to the eleventh century, experienced a renaissance in the mid-twentieth century, thanks to pioneers like Frank McEwen. Butter jade, prized for its rarity and unique markings formed over 50 million years, lends a timeless elegance to this masterpiece. Each dark streak and line, forged by layers of fossilized algae, whispers of ancient stories and enduring wisdom.
Elevate your surroundings with the presence of the "Sage of the Savannah" Butter Jade Zulu Chief Bust. This sculpture not only honors the sagacity of Zulu leadership but also celebrates the enduring legacy of the Shona sculptural tradition, bridging the past and present with every stroke of the chisel.
Indlondlo Yamakhosi: Butter Jade Zulu Chief Bust
Aquired by A motiram: Early 1990's
(Mpumalanga, Republic of South Africa).
Commissioned by Lidwala African Art Gallery to Joes African Art & Collectables
Revised as Rana & Rana African Art.
Founding member Joe’s African Art & Collectibles
E R Amarathlal(Curator, African Art Centre Foundation 1995 to 2005)
Rana Brothers 2018 – date