Two-Tone Soapstone Pregnant Woman Fertility Sculpture
Unbranded (Likely Shona Art from Zimbabwe) · Art & Decor > Sculptures & Figurines
Era / Decade
1990s-2010s
Material
Hand-carved Soapstone (Steatite) with a polished black finish on the skin areas and a natural, textured gray finish on the clothing/hair.
Condition
Good. The piece shows minor surface scuffs and dust common with soapstone. There is a visible scratch or indentation on the chest area that may be a natural inclusion or a small gouge.
Demand Level
Moderate. There is a consistent niche market for African stone art and maternity-themed gifts, especially for midwives, doulas, or nursery decor.
Resale Value
Estimated Resale Value
$25.00 (Low) - $45.00 (Mid) - $65.00 (High)
Estimated Retail Value
$45.00 - $75.00
Comparable Sales
Similar small-to-mid-sized Zimbabwe soapstone figures typically sell for $30-$55 on eBay and Etsy. Larger or signed pieces by known artists like fanizani akuda can fetch hundreds, but unsigned decorative pieces stay in the double digits.
Description
A beautiful hand-carved soapstone sculpture depicting a pregnant woman cradling her belly. This piece features a striking two-tone design where the woman's face and arms are polished to a smooth, dark obsidian finish, while her dress and hair retain a natural, sandy-textured gray stone appearance. Standing approximately 8-10 inches tall, this stylized fertility statue represents motherhood and new beginnings. Minimalist, faceless design fits modern, boho, or global decor styles.
Key Features
Hand-carved artisanal quality; popular 'fertility' or 'motherhood' theme; minimalist faceless aesthetic; heavy, high-quality stone feel; neutral color palette suitable for contemporary decor.
Authenticity Indicators
Tool marks on the bottom and texture variations indicate a hand-carved origin rather than a factory mold. The style is highly indicative of Shona soapstone carvings from Zimbabwe. Confidence: High.
Flaws to Note
A small visible horizontal scratch/gouge on the chest area. Minor base-wear from sitting on a shelf. Soapstone is soft and prone to scratches; some minor pockmarks are natural to the stone.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
Etsy is the best platform for handmade/vintage art. eBay is a strong second for global reach. Facebook Marketplace for local sales to avoid heavy shipping costs for stone.
Selling Tips
Use keywords like 'Shona Stone Art', 'Zimbabwe Sculpture', 'Maternity Gift', and 'Fertility Statue'. Highlight the 'Hand-Carved' nature in the title. Clean carefully with a soft cloth and a tiny drop of mineral oil on the black parts to restore the shine. Ship with heavy bubble wrap as soapstone is brittle.