Frequently Asked Quesitons
How can I send information on this art form to a friend?
There is a convenient "Tell A Friend" hotlink on our website. Simply click on that link, fill out the required data and forward to as many friends as you like.
Can I buy this art on the web?
Yes, you must use the shopping cart process. In that way you notify us of the pieces in which you are interested. By entering your Credit card information we can validate the sale and arrange for shipping. It just that simple!
Are there shows or galleries where you display this art?
Yes, if you contact us via our phone number (1 732 873-2899.) we can advise you of our upcoming events.
Is there an average price range for this art?
This is a difficult question. There is no average price per se, since the art in inventory spans very small pieces by relatively new artists to large pieces by world-renowned artists.
Prices can range between $50 to $50,000 or more depending on a host of variables.
The best we can say is that with a reasonable budget you can find unique and attractive, one of a kind, items for as little as $200 - $300.
How much would a piece, lets say a foot tall weigh? Two feet?
Weight is dependent on height, girth and shape. Some pieces are tall, angular and thin; while others are short, rotund and bulky. Typically a piece twelve inches or less would weigh 10 to 30 pounds. A piece in the 24 inch range will weigh in at 40 to 80 pounds. Larger pieces can be in excess of 150 pounds.
What is the medium used to create this art-from? And what is its source?
The medium is normally a serpentine stone found in the countryside of Zimbabwe. Serpentine has a structure and veining much like marble. It is that marbling in conjunction with the talent for carving the stone medium that makes this art form so unique. Most often the serpentine appears in earth tones, however it has been known to appear in other more spectacularly bright colors, reds, yellow-green, etc.
What are the origins of this art form?
The art form originated in the African Country of Zimbabwe. While in its modern form the art dates back to the 1950s and 1960s, it is believed the indigenous talent for precision stone carving dates back centuries in that land. There is a place in Zimbabwe where a wall (standing for three hundred years) was made from precisely carved and fitted pieces of stone. The wall has nothing approaching mortar or adhesives. It is the placement of finely carved stones that gives the wall its longevity.
What is different about this art form?
Why is there such much discussion about it now?
What is new and different about this art form is that it is three dimensional. It is sculpture, not hanging art. It stands alone on a desk, a credenza, in a bookcase, or on a pedestal. Further, the medium is stone with very distinct and beautiful marbling. It is heavy and very substantial. Finally, what intrigues most people is how the artist work in this medium to create such stunning effects.
How do I know I am getting the authentic artist's work? The original?
Shonastone art has one interesting quality about it. The artists are so proud of their work that they of course sign it. All works on this website were purchased directly from the artists and are singed by same. In addition SABU, Inc. will include with each purchase a Certificate of Authenticity stating the name of the piece, the name of the artist and our inventory item number. This certificate conveys our assurance that the art piece is as advertised, authentic and original.
What makes one piece much more expensive than the others?
Generally value is driven by the artist's name. Next the ability to get more of that artist's work; sometimes the significance of the piece is in its size and stature. Lastly, the artist can use a more valuable medium. Quite often an artist will carve his/her work in verdite, a semi-precious stone in its own right.
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