Zimbabwe Artists Project

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")