Sacred Ibis

Artist: Akuda Fanizani

21″x8″ – Polished springstone

The African Sacred Ibis — its long curved beak, dark plumage, and still, watchful bearing — has been a symbol of wisdom and spiritual grace across the continent for millennia. Fanizani renders it in deep black springstone with characteristic simplicity: no excess, no ornament, just the essential truth of the bird’s presence. Placed among the plants and grasses of the Ruth Bancroft Garden, it seems entirely at home — as if it landed there and simply stayed.

About the Artist

Akuda Fanizani (1932–2011) is one of the founding figures of Zimbabwean stone sculpture. A self-taught artist who began as a quarryman at the Tengenenge farm community in 1966, he became one of the movement’s most beloved voices — known for figures of quiet tenderness, family warmth, and gentle humor. His work was exhibited at Kew Gardens, the Yorkshire Sculpture Park, the Royal Museum for Central Africa, and the National Gallery of Zimbabwe, where a solo retrospective honored his life’s work in 2005. Sacred Ibis is a rare opportunity to acquire a work by one of the tradition’s true masters.

Please note that no duplicates are available for this piece. We do not ship artwork. All purchased work must remain in the show for its duration (until August 9). Artwork will be available for pickup the following week and must be coordinated with the artist.