Traditional African King Sculpture

This bust depicts an African King. The appearance and costume make it selfevident that this is a King. His eyes display a sense of wisdom. His dress is typical of African Kings. The material used is very strong rock, which does not break easily. The head is crowned with the feathers of the African fish eagle, which in the Shona culture is a sacred bird traditionally believed to be a messenger from ancestors. The African fish eagle plays a key role in Shona mythology, where it is believed that it would show signs to forewarn Kings. The Kings would know how to interpret and what to do with the signs shown by the eagle. Therefore, the King wearing the feathers of the fish eagle shows that he was still legitimate and upholding traditions. The horns hanging down from the headband are where the King would store special traditional medicines. Artist: Simon Samhere Year Completed 2006 Contact curator@saatchiart.com for more information