Presented in this lot is a Zimbabwean Carved Leopard Rock Serpentine Stone Giraffe and Calf Sculpture. Leopard rock is a hard and unusual variety of serpentine. It comes from a few small mines in Nyanga, eastern Zimbabwe, and gets its name from the black spots on a pale background. Serious sculptors prefer the hardest varieties of serpentine such as springstone, fruit serpentine and leopard rock. These dense stones have extremely fine grains and uniform structure, making them ideal raw materials for sculpting. Family is at the heart of all society. In Zimbabwe, as in much of Africa, this is particularly true. The complicated network of social ties between different family members, their responsibilities and the expectations of their peers, are frequently expressed in the work of many of the sculptors. This is also seen in the animal kingdom as relfected in this sculpture of a Giraffe cow and it's calf. Ever vigilant, the Cow with her neck outstretched is aware of the powerful predators that are rarely afar off. Although few predators attack adults, lions, hyenas, and leopards take their toll on the young. This stunning and beautiful Leopard Rock serpentine sculpture is carved from one solid piece and is mounted on a clear finish solid hardwood base. No marring is noted. Measures 5.5"W x 13"L x 20.25"H