Born in Nyanga, Zimbabwe, Tinei Mashaya began sculpting at the age of fourteen under the mentorship of his elder brother. Working within the tradition of Shona stone sculpture, a globally recognised movement rooted in Zimbabwean culture, Mashaya carves directly into indigenous stone, embracing both its physical presence and spiritual resonance.
Mashaya's practice draws from real memories and lived experience, inspired by the beauty of African landscapes, wildlife, and native flora and fauna. Over the past decade, Mashaya has created some of the most innovative contemporary Shona sculptures to emerge from Zimbabwe, known for their powerful yet elegant style.
Using rare Zimbabwean stones such as opal stone, verdite, cobalt stone and Nyanga stone, Mashaya balances highly polished, mirror-like surfaces with raw, textured areas, allowing each work to hold both refinement and natural energy. Through this dialogue between form and material, his sculptures feel grounded, emotive, and timeless.