Zimbabwe Artists Project Products

Runyange Growth Point – Beauty Gombwe

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 07:19:28 -0500

(A growth point is a designated rural business center.) Mr. Gono is driving his car, passing through Runyange growth point. Sometimes he is used to carrying passengers to different places. Mrs. Choto is carrying a basket going for shopping. Tinotenda and Tsitsi are coming from the shops, just for a walk. Mai (mother of) Jabu and her kids are going to town to do her monthly shopping after being paid by John (ZAP’s representative in Zimbabwe) for her arts. Some are going different ways while Kudo is riding her bike. Mr. Gudo is driving his cows away from the road. This description was handwritten by the artist. The original is attached to the back of the painting. (13” x 13”)

Weya Village Life – Ajasi Alama

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 07:19:28 -0500

A man is going for cutting firewood with an axe on his shoulder. The artist Ajasi Alama is painting a board. The artist is doing his art at his home. The artist’s wife Auxillia Chakwenya is winnowing rapoko (millet) while another woman is pounding rapoko to mealie-meal (millet meal). Another woman is coming from fetching firewood. The artist’s two children are playing jump-rope. Another two women are coming from fetching water. An old sekuru (grandfather) is coming from shopping with his bag. His wife is cooking sadza for lunch. This description was handwritten by the artist. The original can be found attached to the back of the painting. (13” x 13”)

Mbare Musika – Sarah Mudzingwa

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 07:19:28 -0500

The people are at Mbare Msika. They are going to the rural areas. Some people are selling fruits and some are selling clothes. This description was handwritten by the artist. The original can be found attached to the back of the painting. (13” x 13”)

Rural Life – Pleasure Chonzi

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 07:19:28 -0500

Tinashe is going to see his friends. Mai na baba (Mrs. & Mr.) Chipoto are coming from fetching water. The man is carrying a bundle of grass. A man is selling some vegetables. Mai Munetsi is putting some millet on a grinding stone. The boys are going for hunting. A couple are drinking beer. This description was handwritten by the artist. The original is attached to the back of the painting. (13" x 13")

Village Life - Ajasi Alama

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 07:19:28 -0500

A woman and her daughter are running to her husband who is coming from work in town. He is carrying two bags. Two women are coming from fetching water from the village borehole. Another man is herding cattle. Two boys are playing on a stone. A woman is setting fire for cooking while her husband is playing with a dog. This story was handwritten by the artist. The original is attached to the back of the painting. (13" x 13")

One Afternoon Along Chendambuya Road – Wilson Mugadza

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 07:19:28 -0500

At the top, two women are pounding maize for mealie-meal (cornmeal) and a woman is pounding nuts for dovi (peanut butter). On the left side, two women are breastfeeding their children. Mr. Dande and his family are coming from the GMB (Grain Marketing Board) with a scotch cart. A boy is at the front controlling the cart. This story was handwritten by the artist. The original is attached to the back of the painting. (13”x13”)

The Big Five in Action – David Chigumira

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 07:19:28 -0500

Tonderai and Tinashe were crossing the secret forest. The rule of this forest is that you must not say bad words to the forest. If you say bad words to the forest you will be chased by the big animals in the forest. Tonderai is up the tree. The Lion is jumping up the tree frightening him. Up the tree is Mr. Leopard. Tinashse is running with fire. The Big Elephant is pushing the big tree. The Buffalo is chasing Tinashe and he is swimming in the river. Mr. Rhino is browsing near the river. This story was handwritten by the artist. The original is attached to the back of the painting. (13”x13”)

Mushroom Pickers – Irene Karuva

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 07:19:28 -0500

In rural areas people usually go out to the bush for picking mushrooms. When their baskets are full the come back home. They put their tables by the roadside. They start selling mushrooms and fruits and vegetables to the motorists who pass by. This description was handwritten by the artist. The original is attached to the back of the painting. (13” x 13”)

Chenura (Honoring the Ancestors) - Ajasi Alama

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 07:19:28 -0500

Mr. Runyange died a year before. His family brewed beer for chenura. The chenura is done for bringing Mr. Runyange’s spirit to his ancestors. They are drinking beer and cooking food. A man is carrying firewood from the scotch cart. This story was handwritten by the artist. The original is attached to the back of the painting. (13" x 13")

At the Market - Irene Karuva

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 07:19:28 -0500

People are at the market. Mrs. Ndora is selling some bananas and some green mealies (sweet corn) at her table. Others are selling some pumpkins and some fruits. The buses are waiting for the people to get in and the people are getting in the bus. The vendors are selling some fruits. The other bus driver is Mrs. Nyoni. She is talking to her conductor before they let people get in their bus. Mrs. Munyoro’s luggage is carried by the boy with the cart. They are going to Karoi. This story was handwritten by the artist. The original is attached to the back of the painting. (13" x 13")

Work Done By Women & Girls In Rural Areas - Margaret Mashonganyika

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 07:19:28 -0500

1. Ruwinbo is pounding some maize in a mortar. 2. Tsitsi is taking the pounded maize from the mortar and putting it in a bowl. Then she can grind it to mealie-meal (cornmeal) on a hard, flat stone. 3. Mrs. Mubdzi and Mrs. Hwai are going home. They are carrying firewood for making fire. 4. Rudo is washing some plates and putting them on a table made from wood. 5. Two women are washing cloths and another two women are carrying buckets of water for drinking, cooking and washing clothes. They are going home. This story was handwritten by the artist. The original can be found attached to the back of the painting. (13" x 13")

In the Village - Margaret Mashonganyika

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 07:19:28 -0500

The two women are preparing some mealie-meal (cornmeal). The other one is grinding maize on a hard, flat stone for mealie-meal, and the fourth one is pouring mealie-meal into a bowl from a drum.

While the two women are busy doing their work, the two girls Chipo and Rudo went to look for some fruits in the forest.

They pick some fruits from the tree and sit down. They see a female baboon carrying her baby on her back coming towards them. They run back home.

This story was handwritten by the artist. The original can be found attached to the back of the painting.

Wild Animals in the Bush - Beauty Mugadza (B 2283)

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 07:19:28 -0500

Nzou – elephant Mbizi – giraffe Mbada – leopard Haka – pangolin Nguruve – pig Furiramudenga – giraffe Mhembwe – buck Diro – baboon Shumba – lion

This description was handwritten by the artist. The original is attached to the back of the painting.

Inside the House - Pleasure Chonzi

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 07:19:28 -0500

The man is putting his shoes on. The woman is taking her nice dress from the wardrobe. She is looking at a looking glass. They are playing with the baby on the bed. They are watching television. The children are preparing to go to school. They are having breakfast.

This description was handwritten by the artist. The original is attached to the back of the painting.

Animals in the Bush - Beauty Mugadza

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 07:19:28 -0500

There are a leopard, a rhino, a lion, a buffalo and an elephant.

This description was handwritten by the artist. The original is attached to the back of the painting.

Wild Animals in the Bush - Beauty Mugadza

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 07:19:28 -0500

There are a buffalo (nyati), elephant (nzou), lion (shumba), leopard (mbada) and rhinoceros (chipembere). This description was handwritten by the artist. The original is attached to the back of the painting. (13" x 13")

At Home - Margaret Mashonganyika

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 07:19:28 -0500

1. Old Grandfather is teaching Rutendo how to make a wire toy car and Chipo is sitting beside them watching what Rutendo is doing. 2. Grandmother is telling Rutendo and Chipo some stories. 3. Rutendo is now playing with his wire toy car. 4. Chipo and Rutendo are playing with a ball. 5. Father is plowing the field and the oxen are pulling the plough. 6. Mother is carrying Rudo on her back. She has wrapped her with a towel and is putting some maize seeds in the field. This story was handwritten by the artist. The original is attached to the back of the painting. (13" x 13")

Traditional Dancing in Zimbabwe - Gallet Mungure

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 07:19:28 -0500

(Musukutwa Bikita was the champion traditional dance group in Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe Artists Project brough them to Weya for a community celebration. The “man taking pictures” is ZAP’s representative in Zimbabwe, John V.) There is a day we can’t forget, all people in Weya. That day there were two traditional dancing groups, Musukutwa Bikita and Nyanhute. We were pleased to watch this. I, for my life, never witnessed this before. It was a memorable day. Musukutwa Bikita was excellent in dancing and hosho (rattles) played on legs. There is a man taking pictures. This story was handwritten by the artist. The original is attached to the back of the painting. (13" x 13")

Rainy Season - Tima Shonge

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 07:19:28 -0500

Here Tongesai and his wife Tsitsi, carrying their son Tendai on her back, are going to the field to do their weeding. They are carrying some hoes.
Tongesai and Tsitsi are busy weeding while their son Tendai is sitting playing under the tree with a basketful of hacha (wild fruits from the tree Parinari curatellifolia) to eat.

This story was handwritten by the artist. The original is tucked into a pocket at the back of the painting. (29” x 32”)

A Man Who Was Not Able to Support his Family - Ceresencia Chibaya

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 07:19:28 -0500

One day Fungai thought of visiting his friend Tapiwa. Fungai arrived as his friend’s wife was shouting and their child Nyasha was crying with hunger. Tapiwa’s wife was saying that it is better to go back to her family because her husband was a fool who did not even support his family.

1. Fungai told his friend that nothing can come if you only sit in the sunshine. “You must go and work for your family to be happy and to eat more food.” Fungai then left his friend Tapiwa and went home.

2. Tapiwa also left his home and went to the forest.

3. Fungai thought to go back and see if his friend had done something for his family. Unfortunately he saw him busy dancing without a shirt, shouting and ululating under a big cool shade tree. Fungai was very angry.

4. Fungai took his friend Tapiwa back to his home.

5. Fungai sat down with his friend, giving him advice and ideas to start a garden, cultivating tomatoes and other vegetables to sell rather than spend his time playing under a big tree.

This story was handwritten by the artist. The original is tucked into a pocket at the back of the painting. (26” x 35.5”)

Baboons in the Forest - Veronica Chitsike Shonge

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 07:19:28 -0500

Baboons usually feed on wild fruits in winter, when summer is past. One baboon is in a tree and two are under the same tree. All of them are eating fruits from the tree.

This description was handwritten by the artist. The original is tucked into a pocket at the back of the painting. (19.5” x 27.5”)

Kudus - Melania Mazinyani & Richard Jamtara

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 07:19:28 -0500

These kudus are animals found in Zimbabwe. They look attractive to tourists.

This description was handwritten by the artist. The original is tucked into a pocket at the back of the painting. (18.5” x 26”)

At the River - Melania Mazinyani & Richard Jamtara

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 07:19:28 -0500

Yellow-billed storks and a grey heron are in the water. They are looking for fish.

This description was handwritten by the artist. The original is tucked into a pocket at the back of the painting. (18.5” x 26”)

Wild Animals - Veronica Chitsike Shonge

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 07:19:28 -0500

Here are a flying bird, a giraffe and a leopard. You can find all of these animals if you happen to visit Zimbabwe today.

This description was handwritten by the artist. The original is tucked into a pocket at the back of the painting. (18.5” x 26”)

Kudus - Melania Mazinyani

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 07:19:28 -0500

Two kudus are male and one is female.

This description was handwritten by the artist. The original is tucked into a pocket at the back of the painting. (17” x 28”)

Coming Together - Mary Kaundo

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 07:19:28 -0500

Whenever there is an old and wise man (sekuru) in the village, big boys became very happy. They want to visit sekuru because they are taught how to court girls and sustain marriages. They organize a day when they can visit sekuru.

They go together so that they share ideas. They bring presents for sekuru, mainly in the form of firewood and traditional beer. Tendai is popping maputi (popcorn) for them to eat whilst in the discussion. Rujeko, who is from the city, is amazed by the way things are done in the rural areas. Tapiwa and Danisa, sitting on the bench are asking sekuru questions whilst the others listen. Danisa has also brought his friend Rugare from the neighboring village so that he can listen to sekuru. Nhamo and Ruka are offering sekuru presents they have brought. They have brought traditionally brewed beer for sekuru. Whilst giving sekuru the presents they kneel to show respect.

The elders in the village are happy by the action taken by the boys to return to their traditional ways.

This story was handwritten by the artist. The original is tucked into a pocket at the back of the painting. (25” x 33.5”)

Wildlife in Africa - Mary Kaundo

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 07:19:28 -0500

In Africa there are many different types of wild animals. Some of the most interesting are the springbok, zebra, jackal, baboon hyena and giraffe.

The springbok (top right) is springing up in the air. It springs up for joy or as a sign to show that danger is near. The zebra (below the springbok) is one of the most beautiful animals. It is running and jumping around to show it is happy. The jackal (top left) is looking for a playmate. The baboon is sitting enjoying a wild fruits. I has a taste for people’s crops and sometimes steals chickens or young goats. The baboon is respected since some spirit mediums are possessed by spirits from baboons.

The hyena (bottom right) is also respected by spirit mediums because it has the ability to dream where it may find a meal to eat. It is laughing because it is happy and well fed. The giraffe (bottom left) is one of the tallest animals. It is a very friendly animal. The two young giraffes are rubbing their horns to show friendliness.

This story was handwritten by the artist. The original is tucked into a pocket at the back of the painting. (29” x 34”)

Ways of Getting Money - Sarah Mudzingwa

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 07:19:28 -0500

Two women are selling tomatoes and the other woman is doing a client’s hair. The people are at the market selling and buying vegetables and fruits. A woman is selling clothes and a man is selling baskets. Two women are molding clay pots for selling. This story was handwritten by the artist. The original is attached to the back of the painting. (9"x9")

Chirunji Store - Ajasi Alama

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 07:19:28 -0500

People are coming in and out of the store. Matongo Bus Service is passing through the road. Other people are also passing through the road. A woman is coming from fetching firewood. Two women are coming from the grinding mill. Women are knitting (plaiting) their heads. This story was handwritten by the artist. The original is attached to the back of the painting. (9"x9")

Runyange Store - Ajasi Alama

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 07:19:28 -0500

At Runyange, the Grain Marketing Board lorry is coming to sell maize to the Runyange area. Mr. Chari and his family are going for a visit. Young boys are playing football. Mrs. Mwashita is winnowing maize. This story was handwritten by the artist. The original is attached to the back of the painting. (13"x13")

Baboons in the Field - Milcah Mashonganyika

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 07:19:28 -0500

Baboons are having a Christmas party in the field of Mr. Mutasa and his family. He is not around. They are beating drums and singing. This description was handwritten by the artist. The original is attached to the back of the painting. (9"x9")

Picking Mushrooms - Wilson Mugadza

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 07:19:28 -0500

It is now the rainy season and a group of Mbuya village members are picking mushrooms for them to eat. They are picking two types of mushroom – nhedzi and tsvuke-tsvuke. This description was handwritten by the artist. The original is attached to the back of the painting. (9"x9")

Picking Wild Fruit - Milcah Mashonganyika

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 07:19:28 -0500

People are busy picking wild fruits. Mother is trying to carry a basketful of wild fruits. John is carrying a sack full of fruits. This description was handwritten by the artist. The original is attached to the back of the painting. (9"x9")

Pumpkin Harvesting - Irene Karuva

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 07:19:28 -0500

At Mrs. Ndoro’s home people are harvesting some pumpkins. The cart is collecting some pumpkins. Chiedza is in the cart. Some are carrying pumpkins using baskets. The oxen are pulling the cart full of pumpkins. This story was handwritten by the artist. The original is attached to the back of the painting. (9"x9")

Catching Ants (Termites) - Phineas Chisango

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 07:19:28 -0500

The villagers are busy catching ants on the anthill during night. Mr. Mutasa is pushing a wheelbarrow full of buckets of water, going home. He is passing near the anthill and Mrs. Mutasa said, “Stop, let’s catch ants.” John is busy chasing chickens from the dara (drying rack). Chickens are looking for water and food. This story was handwritten by the artist. The original is attached to the back of the painting. (9"x9")

Village Life - Wilson Mugadza

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 07:19:28 -0500

Two women are pounding maize while their children are sleeping near the kitchen hut. Father is playing the guitar and his son is dancing. This description was handwritten by the artist. The original is attached to the back of the painting. (9"x9")

Baboons' Festival - Wilson Mugadza

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 07:19:28 -0500

Every year, baboons used to have their festival on a big muzhanje tree (Uapaca kirkiana). They are celebrating their festival with big, sweet mazhanje fruits. This description was handwritten by the artist. The original is attached to the back of the painting. (9"x9")

Daniel the Hippo - Irene Karuva

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 07:19:28 -0500

In Rusape area of Tsanzaguru, there was a man called Daniel. He was a gambler. One day he went to an herbalist to look for some herbs to win the gambling game. When he was given the herbs by the herbalist, he was given some instructions that he mustn’t bathe with hot or warm water. He went for his gambling and he won the game. He was so excited when he took his money going home that he forgot his commandments. His wife gave him a dish of warm bath water, and he disappeared. When Daniel’s wife saw that her husband was not returning from the bathing room, she followed him. She only found a dish and his clothes on the walls of the bathing room made of grass. She went to a traditional healer and was told that he didn’t follow the instructions he was told by the herbalist when he got some herbs for gambling. Daniel’s wife was told to go back home and brew beer. When she finished brewing beer, she called the n’anga (traditional healer) and they went to the dam (reservoir) nearby. People were singing and dancing while Daniel’s family and the n’anga were spraying mushonga (traditional medicine) on the dam. The traditional healer told Daniel’s family, “The animal you see in this dam is your husband.” After some time they saw a hippo and they were told that was Daniel. They were told to bring him sadza (thick porridge) every day. This story was handwritten by the artist. The original is attached to the back of the painting. (13"x13")

One Morning along Mukute Road - Wilson Mugadza

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 07:19:28 -0500

A boy is going to Nyawi Store looking to buy sugar. People are gathered at Weya Rural Hospital. They have some illnesses for cure. Father and his son are joining the queue for treatment. Mwazozo bus is coming from Chiendambuya going to Mukute. Two women are coming from the village carrying bags of maize, going to the grinding mill. A mother is breast-feeding her baby while a man and his wife are resting, eating some buns from Muranga shop. Two men are helping themselves to chibuku beer(a commercially made version of traditional opaque beer). This description was handwritten by the artist. The original is attached to the back of the painting. (13"x13")

Work Done by Women - Phineas Chisango

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 07:19:28 -0500

Two women are pounding mealie rice (coarsely pounded maize). Mother is washing clothes because on Sunday she likes to go to church. Mother is sweeping the yard. People are fetching water from the borehole. Mr. Mutasa is making a hoe stick, a yoke and a duri (mortar). Mother is carrying firewood with a baby on her back. Two women are pounding mealie rice for selling in the village. Mrs. Mugadza is busy fetching water from the well. This description was handwritten by the artist. The original is attached to the back of the painting. (13"x13")

Jobs in Rural Areas - Wilson Mugadza

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 07:19:28 -0500

Three women are brewing beer and another one is carrying a clay pot of water. Two men are helping themselves to seven-days beer. Two women are pounding maize for the meal. Another two women are shucking maize while a son is sleeping. Three children are cleaning their father’s car. They have a tin of water. This description was handwritten by the artist. The original is attached to the back of the painting. (13" x 13")

Enjoying a Birthday Party - Wilson Mugadza

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 07:19:28 -0500

People are at Mr. O. G. Mugadza’s home. They are celebrating Wilson’s birthday. Now boys and girls are waiting for Wilson to share the cake and Wilson is lifting a big knife. Others are enjoying themselves with beer. Women are helping themselves to sadza (thick porridge) and pork meat. Two women are sharing the sadza with the people. This description was handwritten by the artist. The original is attached to the back of the painting. (13"x13")

Work Done by Women - Phineas Chisango

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 07:19:28 -0500

Mr. Mugadza and his family are busy putting maize in the maize stock. Mother is putting maize cobs in the dish. Mother is sweeping the yard. Two women are pounding. Mother is carrying firewood. Mother is carrying a sack of mealie meal (cornmeal). This description was handwritten by the artist. The original is attached to the back of the painting. (13"x13")

At the Concert - Irene Karuva

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 07:19:28 -0500

People are at the concert where a local musician is singing. The singer is Tongai Moyo. People are dancing to the good sounds produced by this man and his band. People are drinking beer while they are dancing. This story was handwritten by the artist. The original is attached to the back of the painting. (13"x13")

Big Three - Mary Kaundo

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 07:19:28 -0500

     These are respected animals in the Zimbabwean bush. Many tourists come to see the big three. They are the rhino, the leopard and the lion.
     The rhino is the less vicious of the three because it does not feed on flesh. However, when it becomes angry it can give a deadly blow with its horn. Its skin is used for many purposes, and its horn is used for jewelry as well as for ritual purposes in Asia. Because of that it is nearly extinct.
     A roar from a lion or leopard will leave other animals fearing for their lives. The leopard is also feared for its speed. It has the ability to follow its prey even into the tree. It has a beautiful colored skin which is favored by spirit mediums in Zimbabwe.
The lion attacks its prey with such speed. But in traditional culture it is believed that its viciousness is humbled when it encounters a person who is possessed by an ancestral spirit. Even in the midst of the forest it lowers its head to show respect. Even in today’s life, some people say, “Sekuru maswera sei” (Good afternoon, uncle) while fearing to say the lion’s name.

This story was handwritten by the artist. The original is tucked into a pocket at the back of the painting.     (28"x33")

Wild Animals - Melania Mazinyani

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 07:19:28 -0500

The waterbuck, the kudu and the tsessebe are all animals found in the wild.

This description was handwritten by the artist. The original is tucked into a pocket at the back of the painting. (30"X36")

Catching Termites - Emmah Mugadza

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 07:19:28 -0500

Tafadzwa and his mother are going to catch termites. Now at the anthill they are catching them in the company of their neighbors Rudo and Tinoda. Tafadzwa’s mother is now putting them on a stone to dry them up. Later Tafadzwa’s father and Tinoda’s father are going for fishing (using termites as bait). At the river they are fishing. This description was handwritten by the artist. The original is tucked into a pocket at the back of the painting. (28" x 33")

Wild Animals - Veronica Chitsike Shonge

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 07:19:28 -0500

There are a flying bird, an ant bear, a tortoise, a secretary bird, a dancing baboon and a hunting lion. All these animals can be found around Zimbabwe.

This description was handwritten by the artist. The original is tucked into a pocket at the back of the painting. (29"x35")

A Story of Monkey, Snake and Hare - Ceresencia Chibaya

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 07:19:28 -0500

1. A monkey was playing and saw a snake under a big stone. The snake asked for help. 2. Monkey felt sorry for the snake and removed the stone. 3. Snake then caught the monkey and wanted to eat him. 4. Hare arrived and was told the story. They asked hare to referee. Hare said he doesn’t understand the story and asked them to show exactly how it started. Snake went under the rock to show him. Hare said he understood now, and ordered that the snake be left like that. 5. Hare and monkey were very happy and they became best friends. The monkey then invited hare home for supper and they went away together. This story was handwritten by the artist. The original is tucked into a pocket at the back of the painting. (25" x 36")

Farming in Zimbabwe - Veronica Chitsike Shonge

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 07:19:28 -0500

Most people in Zimbabwe’s rural areas practice farming to earn a living. Mr. and Mrs. Moyo are going to the field. The husband is carrying the baby on his back. Later we see them weeding a field of tobacco.

This story was handwritten by the artist. The original is tucked into a pocket at the back of the painting. (24"x35")

The Monkey and the Crocodile - Promise Kayne

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 07:19:28 -0500

The monkey wanted to cross the river, but because he could not swim he asked the crocodile to help him across. The crocodile agreed to carry him on his back. When they were in the center of the river the crocodile wanted to drown the monkey and said, “If you give me your heart I will not drown you.” The monkey was quick to decide and said to the crocodile that he had left his heart at the bank of the river. If the crocodile could take him back to the bank, he would collect his heart and give it to the crocodile. The crocodile agreed. When they had got to the river bank the monkey jumped into the tree and started shouting that he was not coming back to the river. This story was handwritten by the artist. The original is tucked into a pocket at the back of the painting. (29" x 37")

Village Life - Eugenia Chirenje

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 07:19:28 -0500

Mr. L. Makoni and his wife are busy opening the kraal. They want to pull the scotchcart with oxen. Mrs. Makoni is busy running to correct the other ox that is running away.

This story was handwritten by the artist. The original is tucked into a pocket at the back of the painting. (26"x36")

Wild Animals - Agnes Mpofu

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 07:19:28 -0500

In Zimbabwe we have many different animals, such as kudu, rock rabbits, giraffe, lion, leopard and vultures. This description was handwritten by the artist. The original is tucked into a pocket at the back of the embroidery. (29" x 17")

Wild Animals - Irene Masocha

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 07:19:28 -0500

1. A leopard is standing between the branches of a tree. 2. A lion is walking in the forest. 3. The elephant is the strongest and most powerful animal, mostly found in big forests. This story was handwritten by the artist. The original is tucked into a pocket at the back of the embroidery. (18" x 24")

The Uses of the Mukute Tree (Syzygium cordatum) - Lizzie Domwe

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 07:19:28 -0500

Everyday people, birds and other creatures depend on this indigenous fruit tree. Peter is removing the bark to use as a medicine. Tendai is picking fruits from the ground and Tapiwa is picking them from the tree. Peter is now boiling the tree bark. His wife Agnes is responsible to keep the fire blazing. The medicine is being consumed by children. The first is suffering from a stomach problem. The second has a toothache. In the last picture the remainder of the medicine is used as a dye. White thread is changed to brown. This story was handwritten by the artist. The original is tucked into a pocket at the back of the embroidery. (14" x 27")

Wild Animals - Mavis Musakwa

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 07:19:28 -0500

In Zimbabwe, we have so many different types of animals. A cheetah is a spotted animal that loves to live in mountain areas. A lion is roaming in the bush, hunting small animals. This description was handwritten by the artist. The original is tucked into a pocket at the back of the embroidery. (16" x 18")

Wild Animals - Sylvia Chakururama

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 07:19:28 -0500

These are some of the animals that are found in Zimbabwe: Buffalo, Oribi and Otter. This story was handwritten by the artist. The original is tucked into a pocket at the back of the embroidery. (16" x 15")

Games of Children - Sandra Simango

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 07:19:28 -0500

1. Farisai, Rudo and Chenai are playing fish-fish. 2. Jane and Sandra are playing nhodo (jacks). 3. Tendai is playing pada (hopscotch). This story was handwritten by the artist. The original is tucked in a pocket at the back of the embroidery. (12" x 18")

Hairstyles & Conversations - Elizabeth Muwungani

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 07:19:28 -0500

This piece has no handwritten description to accompany it. It will come with a photo and a bio of the artist. (14" x 20")

Husband and Wife - Elizabeth Muwungani

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 07:19:28 -0500

The husband used to go hunting and bring only meat to his wife, leaving the skin and horns of the animal in the bush. He was advised by a friend to being the skin and horns also. Instead, he started bringing only the skin and horns, leaving the meat behind. The wife, of course, was very upset. So she chased her husband using her knobkerrie (club), telling him to bring the meat home. The children are playing nhodo (a game like jacks). This story was handwritten by the artist and is tucked into a pocket at the back of the embroidery. (20" x 22")

Ways of Supporting the Family - Sarudzai Shonge

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 07:19:28 -0500

Mrs. Johwa is a hard-working woman. She grows some vegetables and she walks door-to-door selling them. This story was handwritten by the artist. The original is tucked into a pocket hidden in the appliqué. (approx. 1' x 1', maroon & black)

Village Life - Sarudzai Shonge

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 07:19:28 -0500

1. “Mother-in-law, I am going to the bush to fetch some firewood. You have to check your grandchild Tapiwa. I left him sleeping in the kitchen hut,” said mai (mother of) Tapiwa, holding the pad for her head. “It is okay, mai. Please first take these clay pots into the hut before you go,” said mother-in-law. 2. Mai Tapiwa’s mother-in-law is pounding her mealie-rice (coarsely-ground cornmeal) while her daughter-in-law is coming from a deep well, carrying her clay pot of water. This story was handwritten by the artist. The original is tucked into a pocket hidden on the appliqué. (approx. 1' x 2', green and black)

It Was a Year of Drought - Locadia Nyamagoronga

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 07:19:28 -0500

Most of the animals were starving because all the fruits except the hacha fruits (wild fruits of the tree Parinari curatellifolia) were dried up. The hachas were mostly eaten by donkeys who had become known as the owners of the fruit. Baboons, monkeys and giraffes came to borrow hacha from the donkey, but the donkey refused. Each animal had to negotiate with the donkey. Giraffe said, “Because I am tall I will take ripe fruits from the tree top.” Baboons and monkeys said they would climb and pick ripe fruits. Donkey agreed. Some days later hare came to donkey and asked where he could get something to eat. Donkey replied, “I will bring you the fruit. You are so clever that if I show you the tree you will say it’s yours and the rest of us will get nothing.” Now most of the animals are going to drink water from the river because they are full of hacha fruits. This story was handwritten by the artist. The original is tucked into a pocket hidden in the appliqué. (approx. 1' x 3', maroon & black)

Mugadza Villagers - Orpah Mungure

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 07:19:28 -0500

1. Mai (Mrs.) Mugadza and Mai Chitsike are coming from the bush with their bags full of hacha (wild fruits from the tree (Parinari curatellifolia), and they fetched some firewood. 2. Mbuya (grandmother) Mugadza is holding a big cup of maheu (a homebrewed nonalcoholic drink) made of hacha. She is talking to her daughter-in-law. “Come with the baby. I want to give her maheu.” 3. Mai Mugadza is teaching her friend Mai Chitsike to make some cakes of hacha. This story was handwritten by the artist. The original is tucked into a pocket hidden in the appliqué. (approx. 1' x 3', maroon & black)

Mungure Family - Orpah Mungure

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 07:19:28 -0500

1. Grace is greeting her brother Lloyd. He is coming from drinking beer. 2. Mrs. Mungure and her daughter-in-law are going to church. 3. Mr. and Mrs. Mungure are drinking maheu (a homebrewed nonalcoholic drink) while their daughter Yollanda is coming from the village having sold some vegetables. 4. Mai (Mrs.) Mungure is giving her daughter-in-law clothing for her expected baby. She is very happy. 5. Yollanda is winnowing some maize. She wants to pound it to make mealie rice (coarsely pounded maize). 6. She is styling her sister-in-law’s hair who is crocheting a doily. This story was handwritten by the artist. The original is tucked into a pocket hidden in the appliqué. (approx. 2' x 3', maroon & black)

Chenura (Beer of the Dead) - Rosemary Mujuru

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 07:19:28 -0500

(In Shona culture, people welcome back to the homestead the spirits of ancestors around a year after they have died. This ceremony is called “chenura.”) 1. Two women are brewing traditional beer of the dead. 2. They are now going to the place where they buried the person so they can tell him, “Here is your beer.” One woman is carrying a pot full of beer on her head. 3. The man is kneeling under a tree. Near the tree there is a pot full of beer. He is giving a speech to the ancestral spirits. 4. They are now drinking beer and dancing and beating a drum. This story was handwritten by the artist. The original is tucked into a pocket hidden in the appliqué. (2' x 2', green & black)

Mungure's Family - Orpah Mungure

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 07:19:28 -0500

1. Mrs. Mungure is holding the new baby while Yollanda is very happy to see the new baby. She has a cup of maheu (a homebrewed nonalcoholic drink). 2. Her daughter-in-law is fetching some water from a shallow well. She is making the ring to put on her head to carry the pot. 3. Mrs. Mungure is washing some clothes. 4. Ambuya (grandmother) is talking to her grandchild Ruwarashe. Ruwarashe is saying to her grandmother, “I am going to play fish-fish (jump rope) with my friends, Gogo (granny).” Gogo is sewing a pitikoti (petticoat). 5. Sekuru (grandfather) and Gogo are dancing after drinking seven days beer (homemade traditional beer). 6. Mrs. Mungure is cooking a big pot of sadza (thick porridge). This story was handwritten by the artist. The original is tucked into a pocket hidden in the appliqué. (approx. 2' x 3', khaki & black)

Work Done by Weya Women - Sarudzai Shonge

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 07:19:28 -0500

1. The women are in the bush tying the bundles of firewood. “You must tie them very strong because if you don’t do that some of them will fall down,” said mai (mother of) Susan. 2. The women are gong to the grinding mill but now they are tired so they are taking a break. They saw a nest of a bird with two eggs. “Be careful – don’t touch the eggs. You might break them and disappoint the bird,” said Mrs. Mungure. 3. Mrs. Kapiya wants to buy a clay pot from Mrs. Gowo. “Is this the only clay pot you have?” she asked. “I want a small one.” “Just come tomorrow. I will make one for you,” replied Mrs. Gowo. This story was handwritten by the artist. The original is tucked into a pocket hidden in the appliqué. (3 panels, maroon & black)

The Story of Nyaradzo and Orpah - Orpah Mungure

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 07:19:28 -0500

In 1989 my brother Innocent was married to Epiphania. They had two children. But my brother passed away in 1996. After that his widow decided to have some boyfriend, and after six months she surrendered her children to Ambuya (grandmother) Shonge, her mother-in-law and my mother. 1. Orpah and Nyradzo are saying to their grandmother, “We are going to play fish-fish (jump rope) with our friend’s gogo (grandmother).” 2. Gogo Shonge is winnowing some groundnuts. 3. She is preparing to grind some peanut butter to sell so that she can get some money to buy soap, sugar and salt. 4. Orpah went to mai (mother of) Tima. “Gogo said if you have salt, please give us. We don’t have salt and she is preparing to grind some peanut butter so we can sell to the teachers at Mukute School. 5. I am coming from town (Harare) to take Orpah and Nyaradzo to Harare so they can go to school. I am talking with my mother. 6. Now I am on the way to the bus stop to Harare with my two nieces Orpah and Nyaradzo. Now they are going to school. This story was handwritten by the artist. The original is tucked into a pocket in the appliqué. (approx. 2' x 3', maroon & navy)

Busy Women - Tendai Bengezhano

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 07:19:28 -0500

The two are coming from the bush from fetching some firewood. This story was handwritten by the artist. The original is tucked into a pocket hidden in the appliqué. (approx. 1' x 1', rust and black)

Traveling on Foot - Florence Makoni

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 07:19:28 -0500

Mrs. Mukondo is at her home, doing her washing and preparing for her journey together with her husband. The next morning, they wake up early and are on the road to visit their grandmother in the village. While on the road, Mr. Mukondo sees some bees flying around a tree, and he climbs up the tree and sees a beehive. He started collecting some honey. Now they are sitting down, enjoying eating the honey. They are very happy because they were walking a long way without food. They stand up and start walking the journey. They reach their grandmother’s home, and see her sitting down welcoming them. They were very happy to reach their granny’s home place. This story was handwritten by the artist. The original is tucked into a pocket hidden in the appliqué. (approx. 2' x 2', green and black)

African Herbs - Dorothy Nyimi

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 07:19:28 -0500

Mbuya Mungure is digging for some medicine for her pregnant daughter Chipo. This story was handwritten by the artist. The original is tucked into a pocket hidden in the appliqué. (approx. 1' x 1', khaki & black)

African Marriage - Rosemary Mujuru

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 07:19:28 -0500

A boy named Takunda is handing a lovetoken to Rumayi’s aunt. This story was handwritten by the artist. The original is tucked into a pocket hidden in the appliqué. (approx. 1' x 1', green & black)

The Hare and the Baboon - Melania Mazinyani

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 07:19:28 -0500

The baboon invited the hare and his family to a party at his home, since they were friends. On the day of the party, hare and his family went to the party. When they got there the baboon said that the hare must climb into the tree because the food was to be eaten there. The hare’s family said they could not climb the tree, but the baboons would not come down until they finished eating and drinking.
Then one day the hare also invited the baboon. We can see the hare’s family going to invite them. The hare’s family is now at the party. When the baboons arrived at the party, the hare said they had already washed their hands, so the baboons should go and wash their hands at the river. When they came back, the hare said their hands were not clean, so he sent them back to wash their hands again. Their hands would not be clean – as they walked on all four legs – until the hares had finished eating.
The other hare was beating a drum. The hare reminded the baboon of what they had done and that the hare was now getting back at the baboon.

This story was handwritten by the artist. The original is tucked into a pocket at the back of the painting. (30"x37")

Making Clay Pots - Leticia Jekesa

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 07:19:28 -0500

Granny Resi survives by selling clay pots. She moulds clay pots, and after moulding them she allows them to dry. Then she burns them to make them hard. We can see her moulding and burning them. Many women are coming to buy the clay pots. Granny Resi is a self-reliant old woman.

This story was handwritten by the artist and is tucked into a pocket at the back of the painting. (29"x35")

Wild Animals - Mavis Musakwa (E 572)

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 07:19:28 -0500

1. Leopard is a spotted animal. It loves to play in mountainous areas. 2. Rhinoceros is a huge animal. There are two types of rhinos in Zimbabwe. There is the white rhino which feeds on shrubs and a black rhino which feed on grass. 3. Cheetah is a spotted animal which loves to live in the mountainous areas with its young ones. This story was handwritten by the artist. The original is tucked into a pocket at the back of the embroidery. (11" x 26")

Hairstyles and Conversations - Elizabeth Muwungani

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 07:19:28 -0500

This piece has no handwritten description to accompany it. A photo and bio of the artist will come with the piece. (16"x31")

Shona Culture: Greeting Someone - Sarudzai Shonge

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 07:19:28 -0500

1. You have to welcome someone from a distance by greeting her and carrying her parcel and putting it into the hut. “Hello Ambuya (grandmother). I have been seeing you while you are at a distance,” said Mrs. Shonge, welcoming her. “Thank you very much muzukuru (niece). Here I am,” said ambuya. 2. When there is a visitor at your home, you don’t give her food while she is sitting outside the hut. “The lunch is ready, mother-in-law. Let us get inside the kitchen hut and enjoy it,” said the daughter-in-law. “O yes, I am coming,” replied her mother-in-law. 3. When a visitor is going back to her home, you have to take her halfway, carrying her parcel, like Mrs. Jowa is doing for Mrs. Mungure. This story was handwritten by the artist. The original is tucked into a pocket hidden in the appliqué. (3 panels, approx. 1' x 3', maroon & black)

Games of Children - Loice Chideme

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 07:19:28 -0500

Tanaka, Gwinyai, Tariro and Wirimai are playing netball whilst at school. Wirimai put his school bag down because he is playing netball. This story was handwritten by the artist. The original is tucked into a pocket hidden in the appliqué. (1 panel, approx. 1' x 1', green & black)

Ways of Getting Money - Sarudzai Shonge

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 07:19:28 -0500

1. “Good morning, Mrs. Kapiya. Where are you going this early morning?” asked Mrs. Manyange. “I am going to borrow some clay pots at Mrs. Mugadza,” replied Mrs. Kapiya, shaking hands. 2. “Good morning, Mrs. Mugadza. Please, I am not going to sit down, but may you please lend me some of your clay pots. I want to cook traditional African beer for sale so that I can raise money for my children’s school fee.” “Go and look at the clay pots in my kitchen hut,” said Mrs. Mugadza, sitting under a tree pointing to the hut. This story was handwritten by the artist. The original is tucked into a pocket hidden in the appliqué. (2 panels, approx. 1' x 2', maroon & black)

Making a Sleigh - Locadia Nyamagoronga

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 07:19:28 -0500

Mr. Mukura thought to make a sleigh for others to easily collect their maize. He was taught this by his father. He is now collecting his maize in the fields while other maize is ripening in the field. This story was handwritten by the artist. The original is tucked into a pocket in the appliqué. (2 panels, approx. 1' x 2', maroon & black)

True Love - Locadia Nyamagoronga

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 07:19:28 -0500

Chipo and Tendai were in love for a long time. So one day they met each other at a certain mountain. In that mountain they were discussing about their future plans. They were also discussing about a visit to their aunt. So they visited Chipo’s aunt on a certain day to exchange love tokens. Tendai gave Chipo a hat to show that he loves Chipo and also Chipo was holding a dress to show that she loves Tendai. Then Tendai planned about their wedding and they also have their best girl and they celebrated their wedding party listening to a radio. This story was handwritten by the artist. The original is tucked into a pocket hidden in the appliqué. (4 panels, approx. 2'x2', maroon & black)

Village Life - Irene Karuva

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 07:19:28 -0500

In the village, people are doing different activities. Mrs. Moyo is brewing beer. Some are at the borehole. Children are playing games. Some are playing pada (hopscotch), and boys are playing soccer. Some are getting in the bus that is passing through their village going to Harare. The goats are running in front of the bus. This story was handwritten by the artist. The original is attached to the back of the painting. (13" x 13")

Picking Mushrooms - Milcah Mashonganyika

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 07:19:28 -0500

Mother and father are picking mushrooms. Their daughter is carrying mushrooms. Father and son are starting to cook the sadza (thick porridge). This story was handwritten by the artist. The original is glued to the back of the painting. (13" x 13")

The Guinea Hen Lady Book

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 07:19:28 -0500

ZAP’s wonderful friend Sam Tyler created for us this beautiful full-color book based on a painting by Weya artist Enesia Nyazorwe. Enesia died of AIDS-related causes in December, 2003, leaving three children. This book is being used to raise money to keep Enesia’s children, and others like them, in school.

The painting tells the magical tale of a man finding a woman caught in his guinea fowl trap. The story of the woman and her guinea fowl friends unfolds in the pages of this accordion-style book, using the words which Enesia herself wrote on the back of the painting. The book has been beautifully printed and is hand-assembled.

These books also make great gifts, so please think about ordering four, and we will send you a fifth book for free! As a result of a very generous anonymous donation underwriting the production costs of the book, fully 98% of the sales price from each book will go directly to keeping orphaned children in school.

ZAP Assorted Greeting Cards

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 07:19:28 -0500

Sets of greeting cards contain five cards, one of each image, and five envelopes. Cards are blank on the inside. A photograph of the artist is on the back of each card. Titles and artists for each card image are as follows:

Irene Karuva, Catching Ishwa (upper left)
Elizabeth Muwungani, Wild Animals (lower left)
Phineas Chisango, Wild Animals Playing Soccer (center)
Elizabeth Muwungani, Hairstyles & Conversations (upper right)
Grace Chigumira, A Journey by Bus (lower right)

ZAP T-shirt

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 07:19:28 -0500

T-shirts are now available in sizes M, L, XL. T-shirts feature the beautiful “Kundoonera” painting by artist Mary Kaundo. Mary receives half of the money earned on these T-shirts to help stabilize her housing situation.