Woman sculptor honours freedom fighters Chatsama stands by her “Tomb of the Unknown Soldier 2”
Chatsama stands by her “Tomb of the Unknown Soldier 2”

Chatsama stands by her “Tomb of the Unknown Soldier 2”

Tawanda Marwizi Arts Correspondent
Sculptor Tracy Chatsama says she is ready for the Chitungwiza Art Exhibition that will be held in October at the Chitungwiza Arts Centre. “It will be a great opportunity as it will attract many people including foreign artists. Instead of just waiting for people to drop in at the Centre on an ad hoc basis, the exhibition will be intense,” said the sculptor in an interview

Chatsama has made a name for herself in the male-dominated industry not by just being a woman who has persevered but also with her distinct Chimurenga-themed pieces which capture an important part of Zimbabwe’s history.

She was not involved in the liberation struggle that brought Independence to Zimbabwe but passion to learn more about the history of the country pushed Tracy Chatsama to work on piece that honours freedom fighters.

She has captured the spirit of the liberation struggle with pieces like “Freedom Fighter”, “Paivepo” and “Unit” but the piece “The tomb of the Unknown Soldier 2” has defied odds.

The piece which is made from springstone is a smaller version of the one placed at the National Heroes Acre. “That is the reason why I named it ‘The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier 2’ because the first one is at the Heroes Acre,” she explained.

It is her way of paying homage to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for equality.

“We are free today because of these people who sacrificed their life. We have to honour them in a big way,” she said.

She finished her piece with the help of fellow sculptors like Agnes Sabau.

Chatsama said it will be good if such works could find homes at various provincial heroes’ acres.

Chatsama says her most fervent desire is to see Mbuya Nehanda’s sculpture being erected at the place where most people believe she was hanged.

The tree that was chopped down by municipal workers was located at Josiah Tongogara Avenue and Sam Nujoma Street but there is no actual record of Mbuya Nehanda being executed there. “Though the tree is no longer there, my wish is to have her sculptor erected there for the benefit of our children,” said Chatsama.

Born in 1969 in Makoni District, Chatsama started her career in the 90s and was inspired by her brothers.

Apart from her liberation pieces, she has also a number of art works that encourages woman to embrace gender equality.

With “Tarangarirwa” Chatsama celebrates policies and changes that have enabled women to rise in whatever fields they choose.

“People were not looking for any excellence from a woman but through freedom and Indigenisation we can do better,” she said.

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