ENERGETIC and industrious visual artist Chango Chitoko has urged fellow sculptors to emulate hunters who do not poach or engage in other illegal and unethical behaviour when carrying out their exercises.
Chitoko noted that hunters were ethical and law abiding people who stick to their codes of conduct.
This has inspired her to engrave the Hunter/Maisiri monument on the hard springstone.
She brought to light that hunting wild animals for meat was traditionally the duty of men, with the primary aim being to bring meat for the family and some for sale or barter.
“The Hunter/Maisiri carving is a reflection of the traditional African past and here, a hunter is going home with a buck while his dog is following up.
“The hunter is in a hide skin attire and usually a good hunter will always be dressed in fancy skin hides. Traditional hunters and game hunters alike do not prey on young animals or those that do not provide meat or valuables. License yourselves as hunters or entrepreneurs for any activity you feel is profitable,” Chitoko said.
“I have taken part in four exhibitions and won awards in each of them; that is the United in Diversity [sponsored by the European Union], Water is Life [sponsored by the Pathfinder African Ubuntu NPC], the Chitungwiza Publicity Association and National Gallery of Zimbabwe, respectively. I am looking forward to another award through this hunter monument.”
She believes that the best way to prevent cruelty to animals was to educate people on the importance of nature, wild life and the environment.
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Many animal species are becoming extinct and need to be preserved, she said.
“People should hunt for business that provide them with the best lifestyle. They should engage in activities that provide them with the basics in life,” she added.
Chitoko has been popular for carving fine and abstract renditions of the hornbill bird.
She described the hornbill as a loving and caring bird, which if fully explored, teaches a lot to humans.
It is found in Matebeleland North province along the Zambezi.
The hornbill is considered to be one of the most sought-after tourist attractions.
“The hornbill is a good bird and can travel far to get food for its young ones. The mother creates safe places for hatching eggs as well as keeping its young ones,” she said.
Chitoko has been a consistent stone carver who produces creations of wild animals in different postures that reflect their habits.
“I am turning out to be expressive these days as I am getting more proficient with my work. I am currently working on a galloping horse, which will be suitable for outdoor displays,” she said.
Chitoko has carved statuettes on spring stone, dolomite and butter Jade stones.
Most of her carvings in the Chitungwiza Arts Centre reflect her passion for social commentary, with emphasis on building stronger communities.
“We have to see some of the challenges that we face in life as building blocks for developing our own selves.”
