Born 1927 in Nganga, died December 2000

Joram Mariga was born in Nganga and known as the father of Zimbabwe stone sculpture. At 73 years old, he was still very active and still led by example. His career was inextricably linked with the early days of the art movement and from his Nyanga studio. He influenced many to take up stone sculpture, including John and Bernard Takawira, Moses Masaya and Chrispen Chakanyuka; the latter being influential in starting the Tengenenge art community. Admired by Frank McEwen, he “Whispered the Gospel of sculpture” throughout Zimbabwe and was regarded with much affection and respect. His own works often reflect his cultural beliefs in a very strong and distinctively personal style. Mariga died tragically in a road accident in December 2000. The sculpture movement lost its father and mentor.