Fanizani Akuda (1932 - 2011)

Fanizani Akuda

Fanizani Akuda is a self-taught sculptor from Zimbabwe, born in Zambia.

He was working as a stonemason in a quarry when he got his hands on a tool and created his first stone sculpture. With his own unique style, Fanizani was able to convey human emotion in stone with talent. His work can be recognized by the slitted eyes, rounded shapes, cheerful and smiling faces, and his themes are also happy families, human and animal interactions, often in pairs or groups. Fanizani also liked to carve whistle sculptures.

Thanks to Fanizani and his unique stone sculptures, Zimbabwe is internationally recognized today.