Ntokozo Patson Sibanda

Born on 13 November 1961 and raised in Nkayi, Zimbabwe, the artist began their sculptural journey in their late teens, relocating to Harare for formal artistic training. At nineteen, the artist joined Matimati Art Center on Chinhoyi Street in central Harare, where they received foundational training in stone sculpture.

During this early period, the artist worked extensively with verdite (semi-precious) stone and other traditional materials. Ivory carving formed part of the artist’s early professional practice for the international market, a chapter that ended with the global ivory trade ban in 1989, prompting a lasting ethical shift toward sustainable material use.

In the years that followed, the artist worked with several companies in Zimbabwe and South Africa, producing commissioned works sold internationally. This experience broadened technical mastery while reinforcing a commitment to craftsmanship, precision, and authenticity.

After years of refining stone carving techniques, Sibanda transitioned into wood sculpture, discovering a lasting artistic voice in African hardwoods. While often associated with Africa’s Big Five, the artist’s practice extends well beyond these iconic species to include all forms of wildlife—from antelope, giraffe, and zebra to birds and other indigenous animals—each approached with equal study and respect.

From 2015 onward, the artist experienced a decline in the international art market, reflecting wider global shifts affecting African sculpture. Despite this, the artist has remained committed to producing work grounded in quality, tradition, and artistic integrity.

Each sculpture is preceded by careful anatomical study and the deliberate selection of wood, allowing the material’s natural grain to guide the final form. Today, the Ntokozo’s works are held in private collections across five continents, offering enduring sculptural interpretations of Africa’s wildlife and natural spirit.